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February 20, 2013

Palestinian Prisoners Refuse Meals in Support of Hunger Strikers 
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In Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, protests are
continuing in support of hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners in
Israeli jails. On Tuesday, hundreds of Palestinian detainees refused
meals in solidarity with four hunger-striking prisoners. Hundreds of
people, meanwhile, rallied across the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip,
drawing fire from Israeli troops of tear gas and rubber-coated bullets.
The prisoners include Samer Issawi, who has been on a hunger strike for
more than 200 days, drinking only water. On Tuesday, an Israeli court
ordered Issawi to remain behind bars indefinitely. His lawyer announced
the decision.

Samer Issawi: "The decision is to reject the appeal of the defense to
release Samer immediately and to keep him behind bars until the last
verdict, which will be given maybe in two weeks time."

Issawi and another hunger-striking prisoner were initially released
under the 2011 deal that freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit only to be
re-arrested and returned to an Israeli prison last year. Israel has
refused to disclose the reasons for their re-arrest and they could each
face at least 20 more years behind bars.

 

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