Monday, July 5, 2010

ICRC takes detainees' parents on Gaza beach trip

Gaza – Ma'an – Parents of Gaza detainees were taken on a trip to the beach Monday by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Husam organization for detainees.

The trip was organized to offer parents a change of atmosphere and an opportunity to relax, officials said, while representative of the organizations told parents at the event that the ICRCwill remain dedicated to supporting prisoners and their families.

Gaza residents detained in Israeli prisons have no access to family visits, as parents, children and spouses are barred from leaving the Strip to see their loved ones. Israel often cites security concerns behind the ban.

In April, prisoners' relatives suspended family visits to Israeli jails in protest over conditions and the ban on Gaza detainees from receiving their family.