Qaraqe: Israel took the decision to kill al-Qeiq

The Israeli occupation authorities have taken the decision to kill Mohamed al-Qeiq who has been on hunger striker for 88 consecutive days, head of the PA committee for prisoners’ affairs Issa Qaraqe said on Friday. Qaraqe accused the Israeli high court of being a tool in the hands of Israeli Intelligence Apparatus which earlier refused to allow al-Qeiq’s family to visit him in Afula hospital.

“The Israeli high court gave two days for military prosecutor to justify its ban on al-Qeiq’s family visits although it knows very well that he is in very critical condition and can’t resist till that time.” The Israeli Intelligence Apparatus is the first party responsible for Mohamed al-Qeiq’s serious health deterioration in collaboration with the Israeli right-wing extremist government, Qaraqe added.

The family visit ban contradicts an earlier ruling by the Israeli high court allowing family visits to the 33-year-old journalist, he pointed out. Muhammad al-Qeiq, a 33-year-old father of two, has refused food since Nov. 25, 2015 to protest his detention without charge or trial by Israel.  Israeli high court earlier ruled to temporarily “suspend” al-Qeiq’s administrative detention, but said it would be reinstated if his health improved.

Amnesty International criticized the ruling, saying it appeared to be “a mere gesture, designed to offer the illusion of freedom to prompt al-Qeiq to end his hunger strike.” Al-Qeiq refused the Israeli ruling and vowed to continue his hunger strike till his unconditional release to a Palestinian-run hospital in West Bank for treatment.