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.
Also Read: Over 900,000 Displaced Gazans Face Catastrophic Flooding Risk
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.
Also Read: Hamas Returns Body of Israeli Hostage as Part of Ceasefire Agreement
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)
Also Read: UN Chief Strongly Condemns Israeli Settler Attack on West Bank Mosque
Mi’raj Ilamic News Agency MINA)
Mina Indonesia
Mina Arabic
Mina Sport