Palestinians in Israeli Jails Hold Mass Hunger Strike

A Palestinian man gestures in front of a poster bearing the portrait of jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti.

Ramallah, 20 Rajab 1438/17 April 2017 (MINA) – Hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails are beginning a mass hunger strike in protest against their conditions, BBC News rported on Monday.

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The action is being led by Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian leader jailed by Israel for life for five murders.

Barghouti, a key figure in Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction, has been touted as a possible future successor to Mr Abbas.

There are fears the protest could fuel tensions across the occupied West Bank.

According to Israeli media reports, at least 700 prisoners affiliated to the Fatah movement are joining the hunger strike, which coincides with the annual Palestinian Prisoners Day.

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The issue of Palestinians held in Israeli jails is an ongoing source of tension between the two sides.

Palestinians regard the detainees as political prisoners, many of whom have been convicted of attacks against Israeli and other offences.

Others are detained under so-called Administrative Detention, which allows suspects to be held without charge for six-month intervals.

There were about 7,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails by the end of last year, according to Palestinian prisoners’ groups. (T/RS5/RS1)

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Mi’raj Ilamic News Agency MINA)