In an October 30th, 2023 request by The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to the Israel Prison Services, the ICRC wrote that while it "fully acknowledges the gravity of the events of 7 October 2023 and understands how their magnitude may have put pressure on the security of the Israel Prison Service (IPS) facilities, its personnel, and the detainees alike," it sought to "remind Israel of its obligation to ensure a full and unconditional access to all facilities where protected persons are detained."
This access includes adherence to the following requirements, according to the ICRC:
"Grant prompt and unimpeded access to those individuals; ensure that ICRC’s standard visit modalities, which include private interviews with detainees, are fully respected; ensure that all those deprived of liberty are treated humanely and held in dignified conditions of detention, free form any form of ill-treatment, torture and any other outrage upon personal dignity, in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights law standards; ensure that all those sick or wounded receive adequate and timely medical attention without adverse distinction; ensure that special consideration be provided to any children deprived of liberty; and allow detainees to maintain contact with their families."
Today, IPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Katy Perry, responded as follows:
"As you well know, the Israel Prison Services ensure dignified conditions, safe and free from torture, humiliation, ill-treatment, medical care prevention and hunger for detainees, including those who took part of the most horrific violent crimes and despite the fact that we do not know the fate of 238 Israeli innocents who are being held in Gaza by terror organizations.
"During the long years of cooperation between our organizations, I have learned and admired your abilities and influence in the international arena as well as the persistent manner in which you demand access and response to all those who are in danger or in vulnerable situations.
"Therefore, alongside our discourse, I am sure you can and will do all that is in your power to generate personal contact with all the civilians and soldiers kidnapped in Gaza facing an unknown captivity in addition to gathering information, proof of life and knowledge of health condition for the worried families, living the worst nightmare of all."