The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said today in a press statement that it is seriously concerned about the deteriorating health of Mr. Maher Al Akhras, a Palestinian administratively detained and hospitalized in Israel.                                                                                                                 

“ICRC doctors have been visiting Mr. Al Akhras and closely monitoring his situation”, said the head of ICRC’s health department in Israel and the occupied territories, Yves Giebens. “More than 85 days into the hunger strike, we are concerned about potentially irreversible health consequences. From a medical perspective, he is entering a critical phase”.

The ICRC reported that its staff monitor the situation of hunger-strikers to ensure that they are treated with respect, have access to adequate medical care, and are allowed to maintain contact with their families. It added that the most recent visit to al-Akhras took place today.

"The ICRC encourages the patient, his representatives and the competent authorities involved to find a solution that will avoid any loss of life."

Maher al-Akhras has been on hunger strike for 88 days in protest of his administrative detention without any charge or trial. He was transferred to Kaplan hospital due to his medical condition.