Israeli occupation forces obstructed a joint march today, Friday, April 17, 2026, organized by “Combatants for Peace” movement in support of Palestinian prisoners in occupation jails, coinciding with the commemoration of Palestinian Prisoners’ Day.
Participants gathered at the northern entrance of Beit Jala, carrying slogans demanding freedom for prisoners and the closure of the “Sde Teiman” detention center. They also called for the repeal of the death penalty law passed by the occupation government earlier this April, which allows for the execution of Palestinian prisoners.
Noor Shehadeh, a member of the “Combatants for Peace” movement, stated:
“Today we stand alongside our brave prisoners in Israeli jails. We reject the prisoner execution law, as it contravenes international laws, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
During the event, Israeli army and police forces surrounded the area and closed several roads, causing a traffic jam. Despite this, activists continued their march along the road adjacent to the Beit Jala entrance before police forced them to end the demonstration, threatening participants with fines.
Currently, approximately 9,550 prisoners are held in occupation jails, a third of whom are detained without trial—a clear violation of fundamental rights. The commemoration of Palestinian Prisoners’ Day on April 17 highlights ongoing suffering, including torture, starvation, and medical neglect, all of which constitute breaches of international humanitarian law.
