Human Rights

Khafsh: 2800 prisoners on hunger strike

Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center for prisoners studies and human rights, confirmed that 2800 Palestinian prisoners have gone on hunger strike while one thousand others will join the strike this week.

He told the PIC that all prisoners would join the “battle of empty stomachs” in case the Israeli prison service did not respond to their demands.

The strikers passed through the first ten days of the strike, which is considered the hardest days, that witness the loss of much weight then the stomach get used to the lack of food, Khafsh said, adding that serious health implications occur in the following days.

He stated that contacts were made between the strike leaders and the Israeli experts committee, set by the occupation to deal with the strike, which asked for ending the strike in return for implementing a part of the prisoners’ demands. The committee’s suggestion was refused by the strikers who confirmed that they will continue the battle, Khafsh said, expecting that the strike will last for 40 days minimum.

Khafsh said that all factions are participating in the strike, but in varying degrees, for example, the strike is obligatory for Hamas prisoners except patients as well as the PFLP and Islamic Jihad, whereas a portion of Fatah prisoners has joined the hunger strike in solidarity with their brothers but all of them are expected to join the strike in the coming days.

He pointed out that the occupation is trying to weaken the prisoners’ determination and has tried to delay the strike before it started in return for a promise to study the demands but the offer was turned down.

Khafsh appreciated the phone call by Hamas leader Khaled Mishaal with PA president Mahmoud Abbas to coordinate national efforts, calling on all Palestinian factions to unite and work for supporting the prisoners.

Back to top button