In Israel and the occupied and autonomous territories, the ICRC works towards ensuring the faithful application of international humanitarian law (IHL), and above all the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilians in times of armed conflict and occupation.
Its delegates monitor the situation of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories who are affected by the existence of the barrier, by settlements and outposts, by economic constraints and restrictions on access to essential services. Where necessary, they take matters up confidentially with the Israeli authorities and seek improvements.

ICRC delegates visit detainees held by Israel and by Palestinian authorities; they facilitate visits by their families and the exchange of messages.

The ICRC has a range of assistance and support activities for Palestinian families affected by the violence. These range from helping families (livelihood support projects, rehabilitation of the water supply) to providing supplies for hospitals. During the fighting in Gaza in May and June, ICRC delegates worked to ensure safe passage for the wounded and distributed essential items to medical facilities.

In the occupied Golan, the ICRC's activities focus mainly on re-establishing and maintaining family links between the 21,000 Golan residents and their families living on the other side of the demarcation line.

The ICRC works in cooperation with the Israeli Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent. It strives to raise awareness generally about international humanitarian law and the obligation to respect it.

Personnel (2008): 358 staff, including 81 expatriates

See also: