Palestinian hunger strikers win

Submitted by Matthew on 6 June, 2012 - 8:17

The mass hunger strikes by 1,550 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention ended on 14 May with significant Israeli concessions.

Palestinian prisoners were objecting to “administrative detentions” - the policy of detention without charge or trial.

The deal between the prisoners and Israeli authorities means that these detentions can no longer be extended if no new evidence emerges. As a consequence perhaps 300 prisoners will be released before the end of the year. Israel also promised to stop the use of solitary confinement.

The Israeli state was worried that if hunger strikers died mass Palestinian protests would erupt.

Israel currently holds 4,600 Palestinian prisoners, including 300 in administrative detention.

Despite the May agreement two prisoners are continuing their strikes. They say they will not stop until they are released.

Rikhawy was arrested in 2004 and is demanding his nine year jail term be reduced on health grounds (he suffers from a number of debilitating illnesses). He is demanding that the prison authority hand over his medical file prior to him appearing before a prison release committee

Sarsak, who comes from Gaza and is demanding to be recognised as a prisoner of war, began refusing food on 23 March, and went 53 days without eating before a short break when the deal was signed. He restarted his strike a day later.

However Issa Qaraqi, the Palestinian Authority’s Minister for Prisoners Affairs, has said Israel has placed 30 Palestinians under administrative detention since the agreement was concluded.

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.