Palestinian mass hunger strike takes dramatic turn

More Palestinian prisoners are joining the mass hunger strike which entered its 26th day Friday, with the campaign assuming global proportions amid worsening health conditions of hundreds of strikers languishing in Israeli jails.

Sawt al-Asra (Voice of Prisoners) radio cited anonymous sources as saying that nearly 100 Palestinian inmates from different political factions have decided to join the hunger strike.

The radio estimated that nearly 1,800 prisoners are currently participating in the strike. However, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club put the figure far higher, saying more than 3,000 prisoners are taking part in the strike.

The Fatah Central Committee, considered the Palestinian movement’s top decision-making body, called on Thursday for all its members in Israeli prisons to join the hunger strike immediately.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, 1,000 others are expected to join in the wake of the Central Committee resolution.

In South Africa, a number of cabinet ministers, personalities, activists and political leaders vowed to join a 24-hour fast in solidarity with the hunger-striking Palestinians.