An Israeli NGO petitioned the High Court of Justice on Wednesday and demanded that Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Interior Minister Eli Yishai clarify why they have been denying 21 Eritrean migrants, who are trapped between the fences on the Israeli-Egyptian border, entry to Israel.

The NGO “We are Refugees” has also asked the High Court that Barak and Yishai explain why Israel denies the migrants food, water and medical assistance. The court will convene Thursday morning to discuss the petition.

For the past six days, 21 Eritrean migrants, among them a 14-year-old boy, are trapped between the fences on the Israeli-Egyptian border and are guarded by IDF infantry troops.

According to the petition, Israel is currently violating both international law and other legal commitments made by Israel. The NGO said the petition was filed out of fear for the migrants’ lives in their homeland.

For more, go to Haaretz.com

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