Lebanese citizens repatriated from Israel under ICRC auspice

ICRC News Release
3 July 2013

Lebanon: Lebanese citizens repatriated from Israel under ICRC auspices

Beirut (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today facilitated the repatriation from Israel of three Lebanese citizens.

The handover, in the presence of ICRC delegates, took place in Ras Naqoura at the Israeli-Lebanese border.

"Restoring and maintaining contact between people who have been detained or separated from their families as a result of armed conflict falls under the ICRC’s humanitarian mandate," said Fabrizzio Carboni, head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon."We act as a neutral intermediary at the request of the families and the Israeli and Lebanese authorities, and with the full consent of all parties."

Earlier this year, another Lebanese citizen was repatriated in the same way. As part of that operation, the ICRC also returned the body of a Lebanese. Last year, the organization repatriated eight people and the remains of six others between Israel and Lebanon.

The ICRC has had a constant presence in Lebanon since 1967, providing assistance and protection on a strictly neutral and impartial basis for civilians adversely affected by armed conflict and internal disturbances.

ENDS

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