The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed its deep concern about the deterioration of the health condition of the hunger-striking prisoner Ghadanfar Abu Atwan, who is being held in administrative detention and is being treated in an Israeli hospital.

"ICRC doctors are visiting Ghadanfar Abu Atwan and are closely monitoring his condition," said Eve Gibbins, head of the ICRC's health department in Israel and the occupied territories.

"After 63 days since his hunger strike, we are concerned about the potentially irreversible health consequences. From a medical perspective, Mr. Ghaganfar is entering a critical phase," he added.

The ICRC made it clear that, as a neutral humanitarian organization, it "does not support or condemn the hunger strike".

It noted that its staff monitors the situation of the hunger strikers to ensure that they are treated with respect and receive appropriate medical care and that they are allowed to remain in contact with their families.

It pointed out that the last visit of prisoner Ghazanfar Abu Atwan was on July 05.

The ICRC urged the competent Israeli authorities, the patient, and his representatives to find a solution that avoids the loss of life."

Source : Safa