According to a July 17 broadcast by the Kan radio station, this week the Israel Prison Service authorized family visits for Palestinian security prisoners. The IPS said that the decision was made jointly with the National Security Council and the visits will be coordinated with the Red Cross. The allowance only applies to family members residing in West Bank areas not significantly affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The IPS also explained that with many emergency regulations no longer in place, the family visits are a legal right that must be upheld.
The family visits are to take place according to Health Ministry instructions including "purple badge" requirements and guidelines on social distancing, masks and sanitation that also apply to government offices, hotels and other businesses.
