Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention facilities started an open-ended hunger strike a week ago, after a Prison Service crack-down to punish the detainees while at the same time starting a campaign aimed at influencing world public opinion regarding prison conditions. Activities all around the West Bank have been organized by the Palestinian Prisoners Society with the participation of the prisoners’ families, the security forces, and organizations that support prisoners’ rights.
The Palestinian News agency interviewed Maher Nmura, spokesman of Fateh in the southern province, who confirmed that many events will be held during the coming days to support the prisoners in occupation jails. For instance, activities were held Monday at Hebron University and a protest tent was set up in Ibn Rushd Square in the center of Hebron city, where many people gathered to show their support.
Nmura also mentioned plans to install another protest tent in the southern part of the province on Tuesday, with an activity to be held in Ein Sarah. Work in institutions and official departments will be suspended so that people can come to central Hebron and participate in supporting the prisoners and demanding their basic rights.
Mahmoud Eshtayya, Secretary of Fateh in Nablus, described the scene as wonderful , showing solidarity with all detainees in Israeli prisons, who suffer isolation and oppression.
He stated, “With this very crowded activity in front of the Red Cross, the protest tent in Martyrs square, and other sites in the province, we express our support for the prisoners until the end of the strike, and we urge the world to stand for the Palestinian people.”
Minister of Prisoners’ Affairs, Issa Qaraqe’, expected an increased Israeli response, especially in light of Netanyahu’s threats and calls to the Israeli prison administration to escalate measures against the Palestinian prisoners.
During his meeting with the president of the Red Cross delegation in the West Bank and Jerusalem, Qaraqe’ called for international and humanitarian protection for the prisoners as Israel steps up its punitive measures.
