PALESTINIANS AT CANCER RISK IN ISRAEL JAILS : RIGHTS BODY

Gaza, 2 Jumadil Akhir 1436/22 March 2015 (MINA) – A rights group has warned that the Palestinians in Israeli jails are prone to a growing risk of cancer due to high levels of radiation inside prisons.

In a statement on Sunday, the Hossam Association of Palestinian Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners said Israeli prison authorities continue to contribute to a heightened cancer risk by setting up devices to jam satellite and telephone signals near jail cells.

A number of Palestinians are also being held in prisons near the Dimona nuclear reactor as well as toxic waste dumps in Negev Desert, the rights body added, Press Tv quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

It said the inmates are also frequently exposed to radiation by being forced to walk through security apparatuses as part of searches and examinations.

According to the organization, at least 15 Palestinian prisoners have already been diagnosed with cancer and are at risk of dying.

Latest figures also show that some 1,500 Palestinian inmates in the Israeli custody are suffering from different types of illnesses.

Israeli forces routinely abduct Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and put them behind bars based on the administrative detention policy.

Administrative detention is a sort of imprisonment without trial or charge that allows Israel to incarcerate Palestinians for up to six months. The detention order can be renewed for indefinite periods of time.

Human rights groups have repeatedly denounced imprisonment without charge or trial.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Society, Israel detained 383 Palestinians across the West Bank in December 2014.

There have been many reports about the deteriorating health of Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli jails. There are reportedly over 7,000 Palestinians in 17 Israeli prisons and detention camps. (T/P002/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)