Red Cross Braces Itself for Mass Hunger Strike in Israeli Jails

Palestinian prisoners begin huger strike.

Gaza, 20 Rajab 1438/17 April 2017 (MINA) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Monday that it was bracing itself for the mass hunger strike Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started, WAFA reported.

Red Cross spokeswoman in Gaza Suheir Zaqout said the Red Cross is preparing itself to deal with the mass hunger strike.

She said the ICRC will intensify its visits to prisons were the striking prisoners are located to follow up on their situation.

An estimated 1300 prisoners in six Israeli jails started on Monday an open-ended hunger strike demanding better conditions and treatment.

he 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. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)