16 feb 2013
Report: Issawi suffers nerve paralysis
The commission of detainees and ex-detainees said that Palestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi suffered nerve paralysis following a sharp decline in his health condition. Spokesman for the commission Nasr Abu Foul stated in a press release on Saturday that letting the health status of Issawi decline to this serious level is an Israeli war crime.
Abu Foul added that Israel's refusal to respond to the demands of the hunger strikers is a kind of organized terrorism aimed at pressuring them to give up their just demands and protests.
He called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities towards the Palestinian hunger strikers, affirming that the stated UN concern over their lives is not enough and there is need to take tangible measures to end their suffering.
Mass rally in Arraba in solidarity with prisoners
Citizens from the town of Arraba, south of Jenin, participated on Friday in a mass rally in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails. PIC's reporter said that the march was launched after Friday prayers in front of the Eastern mosque in the town, towards the protest tent erected in front of the house of captive Tariq Qa'dan.
The marchers raised Palestinian flags, banners of the different Palestinian factions and photos of prisoners, chanting slogans that demand an immediate release for the prisoners and call for escalating the popular movement until the prisoners' demands are met.
Mahmoud Qa'dan, captive Tariq's brother, called for the continuation and escalation of solidarity activities with prisoners until the achievement of their demands, and urged the international institutions to immediately intervene and save their lives.
For his part, prisoner Jafar Ezzedine's brother, Mohammed, called for unifying Palestinian ranks to confront the occupation harsh measures against the captives.
Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian youths and international solidarity activists rallying in support of hunger striking prisoners succeeded on Friday afternoon to break into Efrat settlement, which is established on lands south of the city of Bethlehem in the southern West Bank and inhabited by more than twelve thousand settlers, Mohammed Briggah spokesman for the Popular Committee against the Settlement Activity in Bethlehem told Quds Press.
Violent confrontations and clashes erupted in the area between the activists, who were carrying photos of the detained hunger strikers, and the groups of settlers who were protected by the occupation forces.
Briggah pointed out that Israeli military forces attacked the Palestinian young people and fired tear gas grenades at them, which resulted in cases of suffocation.
The Israeli soldiers have also attacked five journalists, photographers and arrested a foreign solidarity activist.
Abu Foul added that Israel's refusal to respond to the demands of the hunger strikers is a kind of organized terrorism aimed at pressuring them to give up their just demands and protests.
He called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities towards the Palestinian hunger strikers, affirming that the stated UN concern over their lives is not enough and there is need to take tangible measures to end their suffering.
Mass rally in Arraba in solidarity with prisoners
Citizens from the town of Arraba, south of Jenin, participated on Friday in a mass rally in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails. PIC's reporter said that the march was launched after Friday prayers in front of the Eastern mosque in the town, towards the protest tent erected in front of the house of captive Tariq Qa'dan.
The marchers raised Palestinian flags, banners of the different Palestinian factions and photos of prisoners, chanting slogans that demand an immediate release for the prisoners and call for escalating the popular movement until the prisoners' demands are met.
Mahmoud Qa'dan, captive Tariq's brother, called for the continuation and escalation of solidarity activities with prisoners until the achievement of their demands, and urged the international institutions to immediately intervene and save their lives.
For his part, prisoner Jafar Ezzedine's brother, Mohammed, called for unifying Palestinian ranks to confront the occupation harsh measures against the captives.
Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian youths and international solidarity activists rallying in support of hunger striking prisoners succeeded on Friday afternoon to break into Efrat settlement, which is established on lands south of the city of Bethlehem in the southern West Bank and inhabited by more than twelve thousand settlers, Mohammed Briggah spokesman for the Popular Committee against the Settlement Activity in Bethlehem told Quds Press.
Violent confrontations and clashes erupted in the area between the activists, who were carrying photos of the detained hunger strikers, and the groups of settlers who were protected by the occupation forces.
Briggah pointed out that Israeli military forces attacked the Palestinian young people and fired tear gas grenades at them, which resulted in cases of suffocation.
The Israeli soldiers have also attacked five journalists, photographers and arrested a foreign solidarity activist.
IOA isolates two minors in Megiddo jail
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) isolated two minors from Zawiya village in Salfit province over the past few days.
The Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights said in a press release on Saturday that Walid Shuqair, 16, and Adnan Aboudi, 17, were held in solitary confinement after last week’s events in Megiddo jail. It said that the IOA decided to hold them in isolation without giving any reason, adding that their relatives are afraid of what might become of them after they heard no word from them since then.
The center said that the IOA holds 200 children in its jails and treats them as ordinary prisoners as far as penalties, visits, and court hearings are concerned.
The center charged the IOA with torturing those prisoners and blackmailing them into working as informants.
The Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights said in a press release on Saturday that Walid Shuqair, 16, and Adnan Aboudi, 17, were held in solitary confinement after last week’s events in Megiddo jail. It said that the IOA decided to hold them in isolation without giving any reason, adding that their relatives are afraid of what might become of them after they heard no word from them since then.
The center said that the IOA holds 200 children in its jails and treats them as ordinary prisoners as far as penalties, visits, and court hearings are concerned.
The center charged the IOA with torturing those prisoners and blackmailing them into working as informants.
IOF soldiers nab seven Palestinians including two in Gaza
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up seven Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Friday night and at dawn Saturday. Local sources in Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem, said that IOF soldiers arrested five youngsters after a large-scale search operation in various suburbs at dawn Saturday.
They said that three of them were minors, the youngest 14-year-old, and the two others were teenagers.
The IOF soldiers had detained dozens of the village’s minors and young men over the past few weeks.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers nabbed two Palestinian boys in central Gaza Strip on Friday night.
Locals told Quds Press that the soldiers arrested the two boys while burning electricity wires to extract copper from them east of Breij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip.
They said that the soldiers advanced into central Gaza and took away the two boys blindfolded and handcuffed.
They said that three of them were minors, the youngest 14-year-old, and the two others were teenagers.
The IOF soldiers had detained dozens of the village’s minors and young men over the past few weeks.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers nabbed two Palestinian boys in central Gaza Strip on Friday night.
Locals told Quds Press that the soldiers arrested the two boys while burning electricity wires to extract copper from them east of Breij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip.
They said that the soldiers advanced into central Gaza and took away the two boys blindfolded and handcuffed.
15 feb 2013
IOF summons citizens south of Jenin
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) summoned on Friday afternoon four citizens from the village of Sanur, south of Jenin city to attend its intelligence service in Salem camp north of Jenin.
Military force accompanied by an Israeli intelligence officer launched a raid campaign on a number of houses and investigated a number of them and summoned 4 residents, local sources added.
The sources pointed out that the occupation forces have escalated its campaign of summonses in the region in the recent period.
Military force accompanied by an Israeli intelligence officer launched a raid campaign on a number of houses and investigated a number of them and summoned 4 residents, local sources added.
The sources pointed out that the occupation forces have escalated its campaign of summonses in the region in the recent period.
Number of Palestinian prisoner “Deans” reaches 73 in total
Palestine Center for Prisoners Studies confirmed that the number of deans of Palestinian prisoners ( who spent more than 20 years in Israeli jails) has risen to 73 prisoners.
Riyad al-Ashqar, a researcher at the center, revealed on Friday that two Palestinian prisoners have entered their 21st year in Israeli jails, bringing the number of deans of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails to 73 prisoners.
He explained that the number of deans of prisoners in Israeli jails has been continuously rising due to the presence of 106 prisoners who spent 18 years behind bars, including 57 prisoners from the West Bank, 26 prisoners from the Gaza Strip,14 prisoners from the territories occupied in 1948, and 9 Jerusalemite prisoners.
There are 24 prisoners who have been held for more than a quarter of a century and more, he added, pointing out that the prisoner Karim Younes is dean of Palestinian and Arab prisoners.
The center appealed to the Palestinian factions and leaders to activate the prisoners' issue, especially the issue of the prisoners on hunger strike.
Hamas calls on Egypt to intervene to save the striking prisoners
Ezzat Resheq, a member of Hamas Political Bureau, called on Egypt as the mediator of Wafa al-Ahrar deal, to pressure the occupation to fulfill the deal's terms, and to stop the arrest of liberated prisoners. He also called on at the Palestinian people to support the striking prisoners' steadfastness, stressing that Hamas works by all means to liberate Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
He appealed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States and the human rights and humanitarian organizations and free people of the world "to immediately intervene to put pressure on the occupation for the immediate release of the prisoners on hunger strike."
He praised in press statement on Friday the Palestinian popular efforts in solidarity with the prisoners in Israeli jails, especially the prisoners on hunger strike for several months.
He condemned at the same time the Israeli escalation against the Palestinian prisoners especially the brutal raid of Nafha prison, where they were subjected to strip searches and solitary confinement.
Resheq warned the occupation against the continuing crimes against striking prisoners, holding it fully responsible for their safety and lives.
He asserted that the Palestinian people will prosecute the criminals and will work hard and by all means to liberate the prisoners, stressing that the occupation crimes are not subject to statute of limitations.
He strongly condemned the international silence towards the Israeli continued crimes against the striking prisoners, praising the prisoners' legendary steadfastness.
Riyad al-Ashqar, a researcher at the center, revealed on Friday that two Palestinian prisoners have entered their 21st year in Israeli jails, bringing the number of deans of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails to 73 prisoners.
He explained that the number of deans of prisoners in Israeli jails has been continuously rising due to the presence of 106 prisoners who spent 18 years behind bars, including 57 prisoners from the West Bank, 26 prisoners from the Gaza Strip,14 prisoners from the territories occupied in 1948, and 9 Jerusalemite prisoners.
There are 24 prisoners who have been held for more than a quarter of a century and more, he added, pointing out that the prisoner Karim Younes is dean of Palestinian and Arab prisoners.
The center appealed to the Palestinian factions and leaders to activate the prisoners' issue, especially the issue of the prisoners on hunger strike.
Hamas calls on Egypt to intervene to save the striking prisoners
Ezzat Resheq, a member of Hamas Political Bureau, called on Egypt as the mediator of Wafa al-Ahrar deal, to pressure the occupation to fulfill the deal's terms, and to stop the arrest of liberated prisoners. He also called on at the Palestinian people to support the striking prisoners' steadfastness, stressing that Hamas works by all means to liberate Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
He appealed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States and the human rights and humanitarian organizations and free people of the world "to immediately intervene to put pressure on the occupation for the immediate release of the prisoners on hunger strike."
He praised in press statement on Friday the Palestinian popular efforts in solidarity with the prisoners in Israeli jails, especially the prisoners on hunger strike for several months.
He condemned at the same time the Israeli escalation against the Palestinian prisoners especially the brutal raid of Nafha prison, where they were subjected to strip searches and solitary confinement.
Resheq warned the occupation against the continuing crimes against striking prisoners, holding it fully responsible for their safety and lives.
He asserted that the Palestinian people will prosecute the criminals and will work hard and by all means to liberate the prisoners, stressing that the occupation crimes are not subject to statute of limitations.
He strongly condemned the international silence towards the Israeli continued crimes against the striking prisoners, praising the prisoners' legendary steadfastness.
Palestinian MP and former Minister accused of participating in Hamas activities
A Palestinian human rights organization reported that the Israeli Central Court in Jerusalem accused, on Thursday, a Palestinian MP and a former minister from the city of Jerusalem of carrying out activities organized by Hamas. Tadhamun Foundation for Human Rights said in a statement that Jerusalem District Court has accused on Thursday afternoon Palestinian MP Mohammad Toutah and former Minister of Jerusalem Khaled Abu Arafa of carrying out activities under management of Hamas movement as well as "illegally staying in "Israel".
According to the terms of the indictment, the two leaders "have evaded the detention and carried out activities with members of Hamas movement during their stay in the protest tent erected at the Red Cross headquarters in Jerusalem."
Israeli forces have kidnapped the MP and the former minister on January 23, from the protest tent at the Red Cross headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem.
According to the terms of the indictment, the two leaders "have evaded the detention and carried out activities with members of Hamas movement during their stay in the protest tent erected at the Red Cross headquarters in Jerusalem."
Israeli forces have kidnapped the MP and the former minister on January 23, from the protest tent at the Red Cross headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Seven Palestinians Kidnapped In Jerusalem
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, on Friday evening, seven Palestinians during clashes that took place after the army invaded Be’er Ayyoub neighborhood, in Silwan, south of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.
Local sources reported that the army broke into and searched several homes that belong to the Al-Rweidy, Al-Rajaby, and Shweiky families, and attacked three women of Al-Rweidy family causing minor injuries and panic among the children.
The sources said that the kidnapped residents have been identified as Ahmad Rweidy, 19, his brothers Khader, 28, and Kanaan, 26, their relative Haider Rweidy, 35, Younis Shweiky, Ziad Al-Rajaby, and Mohammad Al-Rajaby.
Three more residents, identified as Waseem Bader, ‘Aaed and Ahmad Al-Abbasy were handed warrants to head to the Police station in the area for questioning.
In related news, the army kidnapped a Palestinian at a military roadblock near Jenin, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.
On Thursday, the army kidnapped one resident in Beit Ummar, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and installed a roadblock at the entrance of the Al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of the city. Soldiers stopped and searched Palestinian vehicles and interrogated dozens of residents.
On Wednesday, soldiers invaded Beit Doqqo village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem, broke into and searched several homes and kidnapped ten Palestinians.
Local sources reported that the army broke into and searched several homes that belong to the Al-Rweidy, Al-Rajaby, and Shweiky families, and attacked three women of Al-Rweidy family causing minor injuries and panic among the children.
The sources said that the kidnapped residents have been identified as Ahmad Rweidy, 19, his brothers Khader, 28, and Kanaan, 26, their relative Haider Rweidy, 35, Younis Shweiky, Ziad Al-Rajaby, and Mohammad Al-Rajaby.
Three more residents, identified as Waseem Bader, ‘Aaed and Ahmad Al-Abbasy were handed warrants to head to the Police station in the area for questioning.
In related news, the army kidnapped a Palestinian at a military roadblock near Jenin, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.
On Thursday, the army kidnapped one resident in Beit Ummar, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and installed a roadblock at the entrance of the Al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of the city. Soldiers stopped and searched Palestinian vehicles and interrogated dozens of residents.
On Wednesday, soldiers invaded Beit Doqqo village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem, broke into and searched several homes and kidnapped ten Palestinians.
14 feb 2013
Israeli special force kidnaps young man in Al-Khalil village
Israeli undercover soldiers kidnapped a Palestinian young man from his family home in Beit Ummar village, north of Al-Khalil, on Thursday. Mohammed Awad, the spokesman for the village’s popular committee against the wall and settlement, said that a group of disguised soldiers kidnapped Raed Ikhlail, 25, from his home.
He said that the soldiers also stormed the home of Ra’ed’s friend Tamer Abu Ayyash, noting that both used to go to work together in Dhaheriya town, but he was not at home.
Awad said that 15 soldiers wearing a green uniform different from that of the regular Israeli army brandished guns in face of Raed’s family and took away the youth.
He said that the 50-year-old house owner Saeed Abu Ayyash tried to start a conversation with the soldiers, but they pushed him and he fell on the floor and they broke into the house’s rooms with their guns spreading panic among the children who were traumatized by the savage attack.
He said that the soldiers also stormed the home of Ra’ed’s friend Tamer Abu Ayyash, noting that both used to go to work together in Dhaheriya town, but he was not at home.
Awad said that 15 soldiers wearing a green uniform different from that of the regular Israeli army brandished guns in face of Raed’s family and took away the youth.
He said that the 50-year-old house owner Saeed Abu Ayyash tried to start a conversation with the soldiers, but they pushed him and he fell on the floor and they broke into the house’s rooms with their guns spreading panic among the children who were traumatized by the savage attack.
IOF soldiers nab three civilians including two brothers in Bethlehem
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) nabbed three Palestinians including two brothers in Bethlehem city and nearby Aida refugee camp.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers stormed the home of Jalal Shalash in Bethlehem city at dawn Thursday and took away his two sons Ammar, 32, and Mohammed, 18, after handcuffing and blindfolding them.
The sources said that another group of soldiers burst into Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem city, and arrested Ibrahim Uwais, 19, and took him to an unknown location.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers stormed the home of Jalal Shalash in Bethlehem city at dawn Thursday and took away his two sons Ammar, 32, and Mohammed, 18, after handcuffing and blindfolding them.
The sources said that another group of soldiers burst into Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem city, and arrested Ibrahim Uwais, 19, and took him to an unknown location.
Israeli prison guards storm ward in Nafha jail
Israeli prison guards stormed ward – 4 in Nafha desert jail on Wednesday night and forced prisoners to strip for search. Prisoners said that the guards were looking for mobile phones and assaulted a number of them. They added that three prisoners were taken to solitary confinement for trivial reasons.
They said that the conditions were still tense in the prison as the administration was threatening more penal measures.
In another incident, the Israeli prison service moved 120 Palestinian prisoners from Megiddo jail to Negev jail after closing down ward – seven in the latter.
The Palestinian prisoner’s association said that the move fell in line with the recent escalation in the ferocious IPS campaign against the prisoners.
It said that the IPS moved hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from one prison to another in a step that led to instability and confusion among the prisoners.
They said that the conditions were still tense in the prison as the administration was threatening more penal measures.
In another incident, the Israeli prison service moved 120 Palestinian prisoners from Megiddo jail to Negev jail after closing down ward – seven in the latter.
The Palestinian prisoner’s association said that the move fell in line with the recent escalation in the ferocious IPS campaign against the prisoners.
It said that the IPS moved hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from one prison to another in a step that led to instability and confusion among the prisoners.
Zahalka: The health status of hunger striker Samer Issawi has worsened
Arab Knesset member Jamal Zahalka said that Palestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi is in a very critical health condition, denying new reports about his death.
"Samer's weight has dropped to 46 kilograms, and the glucose and pressure levels in his blood have sharply declined as well, while he still refuses to take vitamins and glucose," Zahalka stated in a press release following his visit to Issawi in Ramla jail infirmary.
He affirmed that despite its stability, the health status of Issawi reached a life-threatening stage and there are fears of a sudden collapse in his condition.
"Someone cannot see Samer without touching his insistence and determination to move forward in his hunger strike until the end, and without getting moved by the phrase he always repeats, 'freedom or martyrdom,' Zahalka stressed.
Islamic higher council asks Morsi to intervene and save life of Issawi
Dr. Salah Sultan, the secretary general of the higher council for Islamic affairs affiliated with the Egyptian ministry of Awkaf, has asked president Mohammed Morsi to intervene and save the life of Palestinian hunger striker Samer Al-Issawi. Sultan said in a statement on Wednesday that Morsi in his capacity as current chairman of the Organization of Islamic Conference should have a stand regarding the issue of the Palestinian administrative detainee.
He added that the Arab League, the UN, civil organizations, and human rights groups should pressure Israel into halting its violations against the Palestinian people in general and prisoners in particular.
He said that all those organizations should also be concerned with the issue of Issawi who has been on hunger strike for 200 days and faces the possibility of dying in captivity.
Israeli police forces blockade Issawiya, punish its people
The Israeli police on Wednesday continued for the second consecutive day to impose a tight blockade on Issawiya district in occupied Jerusalem and restrict the movement of the Palestinian residents. During the last two days, the Israeli police and the intelligence personnel raided homes in Issawiya and handed Palestinian activists summonses for interrogation because of their participation in activities supporting hunger striker Samer Issawi, whose health critically declined and reached a life-threatening stage.
The Israeli police, at the behest of the intelligence, issued orders to exile member of the Issawiya defense committee Mohamed Abul-Hems for one week from the district and to fine him a total of 5,500 shekels until his trial on allegations of obstructing the mission of the Israeli intelligence in the district and his involvement in the solidarity campaign advocating the cause of hunger striker Samer Issawi.
Abul-Hems, in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC), slammed the Israeli decision issued against him as unjust, racist and vindictive.
He said that the Israeli police men erected many barriers inside and around Issawiya district and embarked on obstructing the movement of the citizens and their vehicles.
He added that the Israeli police paralyzed traffic and public transportation, prevented kids from reaching their schools and searched their bags.
The activist affirmed that the Issawiya residents are exposed to an arbitrary oppressive campaign affecting their daily lives and isolating them from the rest of Jerusalem because of their solidarity with their compatriot Samer Issawi.
He appealed to human rights groups to visit Issawiya to witness its tragedy and called on the ambassadors and consuls of foreign countries to intervene to stop Israel's repeated violations against the Issawiya people.
"Samer's weight has dropped to 46 kilograms, and the glucose and pressure levels in his blood have sharply declined as well, while he still refuses to take vitamins and glucose," Zahalka stated in a press release following his visit to Issawi in Ramla jail infirmary.
He affirmed that despite its stability, the health status of Issawi reached a life-threatening stage and there are fears of a sudden collapse in his condition.
"Someone cannot see Samer without touching his insistence and determination to move forward in his hunger strike until the end, and without getting moved by the phrase he always repeats, 'freedom or martyrdom,' Zahalka stressed.
Islamic higher council asks Morsi to intervene and save life of Issawi
Dr. Salah Sultan, the secretary general of the higher council for Islamic affairs affiliated with the Egyptian ministry of Awkaf, has asked president Mohammed Morsi to intervene and save the life of Palestinian hunger striker Samer Al-Issawi. Sultan said in a statement on Wednesday that Morsi in his capacity as current chairman of the Organization of Islamic Conference should have a stand regarding the issue of the Palestinian administrative detainee.
He added that the Arab League, the UN, civil organizations, and human rights groups should pressure Israel into halting its violations against the Palestinian people in general and prisoners in particular.
He said that all those organizations should also be concerned with the issue of Issawi who has been on hunger strike for 200 days and faces the possibility of dying in captivity.
Israeli police forces blockade Issawiya, punish its people
The Israeli police on Wednesday continued for the second consecutive day to impose a tight blockade on Issawiya district in occupied Jerusalem and restrict the movement of the Palestinian residents. During the last two days, the Israeli police and the intelligence personnel raided homes in Issawiya and handed Palestinian activists summonses for interrogation because of their participation in activities supporting hunger striker Samer Issawi, whose health critically declined and reached a life-threatening stage.
The Israeli police, at the behest of the intelligence, issued orders to exile member of the Issawiya defense committee Mohamed Abul-Hems for one week from the district and to fine him a total of 5,500 shekels until his trial on allegations of obstructing the mission of the Israeli intelligence in the district and his involvement in the solidarity campaign advocating the cause of hunger striker Samer Issawi.
Abul-Hems, in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC), slammed the Israeli decision issued against him as unjust, racist and vindictive.
He said that the Israeli police men erected many barriers inside and around Issawiya district and embarked on obstructing the movement of the citizens and their vehicles.
He added that the Israeli police paralyzed traffic and public transportation, prevented kids from reaching their schools and searched their bags.
The activist affirmed that the Issawiya residents are exposed to an arbitrary oppressive campaign affecting their daily lives and isolating them from the rest of Jerusalem because of their solidarity with their compatriot Samer Issawi.
He appealed to human rights groups to visit Issawiya to witness its tragedy and called on the ambassadors and consuls of foreign countries to intervene to stop Israel's repeated violations against the Issawiya people.
13 feb 2013
Prisoner Ezzedine rejects a 3-months administrative detention decision
Lawyer for the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said that hunger striking prisoner Jafar Ezzedine asserted today during the court hearing that he will continue his strike and rejected the Israeli prosecution's suggestion to hold him under administrative detention for three months, after which he will be released.
"Captive Jafar Ezzedine attended the Court session in a wheelchair and in an extremely difficult health condition. However, he confirmed that he will continue his hunger strike," PPS lawyer stated.
Palestinian human rights sources reported that the Israeli Supreme Court decided on Wednesday morning to not interfere in the decision of the Court of Military Appeals issued on the 5th of February 2013 and providing the extension of administrative detention of prisoner Jafar Ezzedine, on hunger strike for 79 days, for three months.
The Palestinian Prisoners' Society said that the prosecution presented a medical report by the doctors in the Ramle prison clinic, revealing the seriousness of the health status of captive Jafar.
It added in a press statement that the Israeli Supreme Court judges wrote three positive remarks which dealt with the military judges' neglect of the cases of Palestinian prisoners, the right of the prisoner to go on hunger strike where the prison service's duty is to provide prisoners with adequate health conditions and the right to appeal.
Gov't in Gaza holds Israel fully responsible for lives of hunger strikers
The Palestinian government in Gaza held the Israeli occupation regime fully responsible for the lives of the hunger strikers in its jails, demanding their immediate release. In a press release issued following its weekly meeting on Tuesday, the government pointed out to the risks threatening the lives of the hunger strikers and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable if any prisoner dies.
It appealed to human rights groups to take action ending the suffering of all prisoners, especially the hunger strikers.
The government also denounced Israel's frenzied arrest campaign that led lately to the detention of many citizens and lawmakers in the West Bank, stressing that such arrests violate human rights and the international law.
As for Israel's violations in the occupied city of Jerusalem, the government warned of the serious repercussions if Israel persisted in defiling and jeopardizing the Islamic holy sites.
It emphasized that the Israeli violations taking place in Jerusalem entail urgent Arab and Islamic action to protect the city.
It also urged the Palestinian natives of the holy city and the 1948 occupied lands to defend the Aqsa Mosque against the Jewish threats.
360 Detainees To Hold Solidarity Hunger Strike
The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) reported Wednesday that 360 Palestinian detainees will be holding a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with the hunger striking detainees.
The strike will be conducted on Thursday by returning the meals in an initial step towards further measures in protest to the escalating Israeli violations.
The PPS said that 360 detainees at the Ramon Israeli prison, and detained Islamic Jihad leaders in all Israeli prisons and detention facilities, will be holding the one-day hunger strike this Thursday.
The strike will likely escalate to include all detainees in Israel’s detention centers due to the ongoing Israeli violations and in solidarity with detainee Samer Al-Eesawy.
Al-Eesawy has been on hunger strike for close to six and a half months, demanding his release as he is being illegally held without charges or trial.
He is currently in a very bad, and continuously deteriorating, health condition; his internal organs are starting to shut down, he is vomiting blood, can barely talk and when he does it is very difficult to understand what he is saying.
Two days ago, the PPS reported that Al-Eesawy, in addition to hunger striking detainees Jafar Ez Ed-Deen, and Tareq Qa’dan, are also facing life-threatening health complications.
Israel is currently holding captive more than 4600 Palestinians, including 182 children and 11 women, in addition to 1200 detainees who are ill, including 20 who are continuously held at prison clinic
There are 1200 detainees who suffering from different diseases and health conditions, including cancer, and are not receiving the adequate and specialized medical care they require.
20 of them are continuously staying at the Ramla Prison Clinic that lacks specialists, basic equipment and supplies, 18 detainees suffer from cancer, liver failure, or heart conditions, and 85 detainees who suffer from physical or mental conditions.
"Captive Jafar Ezzedine attended the Court session in a wheelchair and in an extremely difficult health condition. However, he confirmed that he will continue his hunger strike," PPS lawyer stated.
Palestinian human rights sources reported that the Israeli Supreme Court decided on Wednesday morning to not interfere in the decision of the Court of Military Appeals issued on the 5th of February 2013 and providing the extension of administrative detention of prisoner Jafar Ezzedine, on hunger strike for 79 days, for three months.
The Palestinian Prisoners' Society said that the prosecution presented a medical report by the doctors in the Ramle prison clinic, revealing the seriousness of the health status of captive Jafar.
It added in a press statement that the Israeli Supreme Court judges wrote three positive remarks which dealt with the military judges' neglect of the cases of Palestinian prisoners, the right of the prisoner to go on hunger strike where the prison service's duty is to provide prisoners with adequate health conditions and the right to appeal.
Gov't in Gaza holds Israel fully responsible for lives of hunger strikers
The Palestinian government in Gaza held the Israeli occupation regime fully responsible for the lives of the hunger strikers in its jails, demanding their immediate release. In a press release issued following its weekly meeting on Tuesday, the government pointed out to the risks threatening the lives of the hunger strikers and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable if any prisoner dies.
It appealed to human rights groups to take action ending the suffering of all prisoners, especially the hunger strikers.
The government also denounced Israel's frenzied arrest campaign that led lately to the detention of many citizens and lawmakers in the West Bank, stressing that such arrests violate human rights and the international law.
As for Israel's violations in the occupied city of Jerusalem, the government warned of the serious repercussions if Israel persisted in defiling and jeopardizing the Islamic holy sites.
It emphasized that the Israeli violations taking place in Jerusalem entail urgent Arab and Islamic action to protect the city.
It also urged the Palestinian natives of the holy city and the 1948 occupied lands to defend the Aqsa Mosque against the Jewish threats.
360 Detainees To Hold Solidarity Hunger Strike
The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) reported Wednesday that 360 Palestinian detainees will be holding a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with the hunger striking detainees.
The strike will be conducted on Thursday by returning the meals in an initial step towards further measures in protest to the escalating Israeli violations.
The PPS said that 360 detainees at the Ramon Israeli prison, and detained Islamic Jihad leaders in all Israeli prisons and detention facilities, will be holding the one-day hunger strike this Thursday.
The strike will likely escalate to include all detainees in Israel’s detention centers due to the ongoing Israeli violations and in solidarity with detainee Samer Al-Eesawy.
Al-Eesawy has been on hunger strike for close to six and a half months, demanding his release as he is being illegally held without charges or trial.
He is currently in a very bad, and continuously deteriorating, health condition; his internal organs are starting to shut down, he is vomiting blood, can barely talk and when he does it is very difficult to understand what he is saying.
Two days ago, the PPS reported that Al-Eesawy, in addition to hunger striking detainees Jafar Ez Ed-Deen, and Tareq Qa’dan, are also facing life-threatening health complications.
Israel is currently holding captive more than 4600 Palestinians, including 182 children and 11 women, in addition to 1200 detainees who are ill, including 20 who are continuously held at prison clinic
There are 1200 detainees who suffering from different diseases and health conditions, including cancer, and are not receiving the adequate and specialized medical care they require.
20 of them are continuously staying at the Ramla Prison Clinic that lacks specialists, basic equipment and supplies, 18 detainees suffer from cancer, liver failure, or heart conditions, and 85 detainees who suffer from physical or mental conditions.
Qaadan stresses he will not halt his hunger strike
Prisoner Tarek Qaadan, who declared an open hunger strike since November 27, 2012, had sent a letter from the jail to his brother, one day before the deterioration of his health and his transfer to the hospital.
Qaadan stressed the importance of the Palestinian issue which represents "a sacred cause", pointing to the severe suffering of the Palestinian prisoners in confronting the occupation.
He also criticized in his leaked letter the silence and the inaction regarding the prisoners' issue.
In response to those who doubt his hunger strike, the captive asserted that he will continue his hunger strike till the end.
Qaadan stressed the importance of the Palestinian issue which represents "a sacred cause", pointing to the severe suffering of the Palestinian prisoners in confronting the occupation.
He also criticized in his leaked letter the silence and the inaction regarding the prisoners' issue.
In response to those who doubt his hunger strike, the captive asserted that he will continue his hunger strike till the end.
IOF arrests 17 citizens in the West Bank
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested at dawn today 17 Palestinians from different areas in the occupied West Bank cities. IOF arrested at dawn on Wednesday 5 Palestinian children aged between 12 and 14 years in Beit Fajar village south of Bethlehem, local sources revealed.
The occupation forces stormed the village of Beit Duqqu, located in the north of the occupied city of Jerusalem, at dawn today, and raided several houses belonging to Palestinian citizens in the village.
Local sources in Beit Duqqu confirmed that the occupation forces consisting of dozens of soldiers and military vehicles stormed the village, where they broke doors of many Palestinian homes violently and arrested a number of citizens in the village, including four brothers.
In Borqa west of Nablus, Israeli forces arrested two young men after raiding and searching their homes.
Tayseer Abu Hussein, head of the village council in Borqa, emphasized that the occupation forces stormed the town and arrested the young man Mohamed Fouad Hojja before raiding and searching his family's house.
In the same context, Palestinian sources said that the Israeli occupation forces arrested a young man from the village of al-Romaneh west of the city of Jenin after storming the town.
The occupation forces stormed the village of Beit Duqqu, located in the north of the occupied city of Jerusalem, at dawn today, and raided several houses belonging to Palestinian citizens in the village.
Local sources in Beit Duqqu confirmed that the occupation forces consisting of dozens of soldiers and military vehicles stormed the village, where they broke doors of many Palestinian homes violently and arrested a number of citizens in the village, including four brothers.
In Borqa west of Nablus, Israeli forces arrested two young men after raiding and searching their homes.
Tayseer Abu Hussein, head of the village council in Borqa, emphasized that the occupation forces stormed the town and arrested the young man Mohamed Fouad Hojja before raiding and searching his family's house.
In the same context, Palestinian sources said that the Israeli occupation forces arrested a young man from the village of al-Romaneh west of the city of Jenin after storming the town.
Red Cross closes its doors before prisoners' families
Sheikh Khader Adnan
The leader in the Islamic Jihad movement, Sheikh Khader Adnan accused the Red Cross of failing in activating the prisoners' issue in international forums. Adnan, who declared an open hunger strike in solidarity with the striking prisoners, considered the closing of the Red Cross' headquarters in the face of the prisoners' families as an unacceptable behavior that increases the suffering of the prisoners' families.
The Red Cross has closed its doors in Ramallah under the pretext of Sheikh Adnan's presence in its headquarters.
Adnan called on the Palestinian people to participate peacefully in marches and sit-ins in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike, especially since many of them are suffering sharp health deterioration.
He called on mass media to disseminate the Red Cross' documents about the Israeli violations against the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails to prosecute the Israeli war criminals in Geneva before it is too late.
For its part, Palestinians for Dignity denounced the Red Cross' irresponsible and provocative policy in dealing with the prisoners' families.
Palestinians for Dignity renewed its support to the prisoners' issue and to Sheikh Khader Adnan's hunger strike.
It called on the Red Cross to alleviate the suffering of the prisoners' families and called on the Palestinian people in all places to stand behind the striking prisoners who are hungry for dignity.
The leader in the Islamic Jihad movement, Sheikh Khader Adnan accused the Red Cross of failing in activating the prisoners' issue in international forums. Adnan, who declared an open hunger strike in solidarity with the striking prisoners, considered the closing of the Red Cross' headquarters in the face of the prisoners' families as an unacceptable behavior that increases the suffering of the prisoners' families.
The Red Cross has closed its doors in Ramallah under the pretext of Sheikh Adnan's presence in its headquarters.
Adnan called on the Palestinian people to participate peacefully in marches and sit-ins in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike, especially since many of them are suffering sharp health deterioration.
He called on mass media to disseminate the Red Cross' documents about the Israeli violations against the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails to prosecute the Israeli war criminals in Geneva before it is too late.
For its part, Palestinians for Dignity denounced the Red Cross' irresponsible and provocative policy in dealing with the prisoners' families.
Palestinians for Dignity renewed its support to the prisoners' issue and to Sheikh Khader Adnan's hunger strike.
It called on the Red Cross to alleviate the suffering of the prisoners' families and called on the Palestinian people in all places to stand behind the striking prisoners who are hungry for dignity.
Unprecedented transfer campaign in Eichel prison
The Israeli Occupation Authorities began a wide scale transfer campaign among prisoners in Eichel prison in Be'er Sheva, in an attempt to break the prisoners' will and to put an end to their protest steps, Palestinian human rights organization revealed.
Abdullah Kandil, the spokesman of Waed Association for Prisoners and Liberated Prisoners, affirmed that the IPS in Eichel prison is carrying out a wide-scale prisoner transfers, where a whole section has been discharged to receive another section's prisoners after a wide search process for several days.
The transfer campaign coincided with another one in which prisoners have been exposed to heightened harassment and repression.
The human rights activist warned that this unprecedented campaign could be moved to other Israeli prisons.
He appealed to humanitarian institutions, human rights organizations and the media to highlight these abuses, and to intervene to stop such actions that are contrary to the most basic human values.
Abdullah Kandil, the spokesman of Waed Association for Prisoners and Liberated Prisoners, affirmed that the IPS in Eichel prison is carrying out a wide-scale prisoner transfers, where a whole section has been discharged to receive another section's prisoners after a wide search process for several days.
The transfer campaign coincided with another one in which prisoners have been exposed to heightened harassment and repression.
The human rights activist warned that this unprecedented campaign could be moved to other Israeli prisons.
He appealed to humanitarian institutions, human rights organizations and the media to highlight these abuses, and to intervene to stop such actions that are contrary to the most basic human values.
Confrontations west of Jenin, youth arrested
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided Erka village, west of Jenin, at dawn Wednesday and combed its various streets firing metal bullets and stun grenades in the process.
Local sources said that the soldiers invaded the village in ten armored vehicles and provoked citizens through loudspeakers igniting confrontations.
The soldiers positioned in the vicinity of the village’s mosque and set up a roadblock at its entrance, they added.
Other IOF soldiers rounded up a 22-year-old youth in Rummane village, also to the west of Jenin, locals reported, adding that the soldiers stormed and ransacked the youth’s family home and interrogated his family members in the open cold weather after forcing them out of the house before taking him away.
Local sources said that the soldiers invaded the village in ten armored vehicles and provoked citizens through loudspeakers igniting confrontations.
The soldiers positioned in the vicinity of the village’s mosque and set up a roadblock at its entrance, they added.
Other IOF soldiers rounded up a 22-year-old youth in Rummane village, also to the west of Jenin, locals reported, adding that the soldiers stormed and ransacked the youth’s family home and interrogated his family members in the open cold weather after forcing them out of the house before taking him away.
IOF soldiers demolish shop in Al-Khalil, kidnap five children for few hours
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) destroyed a Palestinian shop in Ramadin village, south of Al-Khalil, on Tuesday night and arrested a young man in the aftermath of ensuing clashes. Palestinian security sources told Quds Press that the vegetable shop was owned by Nawafa Al-Dhaghaghma, adding that villagers engaged the troops after the destruction of his shop.
The sources said that the soldiers arrested Mohammed Nayef Zagharna and wounded another man in the confrontations.
Meanwhile, IOF troops were deployed in the Old City of Al-Khalil on Tuesday night and nabbed five children.
Locals said that the children were handed to the Palestinian liaison office a few hours later.
They said that the soldiers stormed a number of suburbs in the city after midnight Tuesday and withdrew by dawn Wednesday. IOF units set up roadblocks at the entrance of Fawar refugee camp and Dhaheriya and Halhul towns in Al-Khalil and searched passing vehicles and passengers.
The sources said that the soldiers arrested Mohammed Nayef Zagharna and wounded another man in the confrontations.
Meanwhile, IOF troops were deployed in the Old City of Al-Khalil on Tuesday night and nabbed five children.
Locals said that the children were handed to the Palestinian liaison office a few hours later.
They said that the soldiers stormed a number of suburbs in the city after midnight Tuesday and withdrew by dawn Wednesday. IOF units set up roadblocks at the entrance of Fawar refugee camp and Dhaheriya and Halhul towns in Al-Khalil and searched passing vehicles and passengers.
12 feb 2013
Issawi in danger ... the occupation preparing itself for any escalation
Hebrew media revealed that leadership of the southern region in the occupation army has raised state of readiness in light of possibilities of escalation in case of the death of Palestinian prisoner Samer al-Issawi, on hunger strike for nearly 7 months.
The Occupation army radio said on Tuesday that tension has prevailed the southern region while tens of drones have been flying over the Gaza Strip, noting that the occupation holds Palestinian factions, and especially Hamas, responsible for any escalation in the area.
Lawyer Jawad Boulos, Director of the Legal Unit in Prisoners Society, said after visiting the hunger striking prisoner Samer al-Issawi in Ramle prison clinic that Samer's health condition is very worrying, and that the doctors in Ramla prison clinic expressed great concern for his life.
He said in a press statement that Issawi seemed to have problems to talk.
For his part, captive al-Issawi expressed surprise at news reports claiming that he was dying, and stressed that he would continue his hunger strike till the end.
The Occupation army radio said on Tuesday that tension has prevailed the southern region while tens of drones have been flying over the Gaza Strip, noting that the occupation holds Palestinian factions, and especially Hamas, responsible for any escalation in the area.
Lawyer Jawad Boulos, Director of the Legal Unit in Prisoners Society, said after visiting the hunger striking prisoner Samer al-Issawi in Ramle prison clinic that Samer's health condition is very worrying, and that the doctors in Ramla prison clinic expressed great concern for his life.
He said in a press statement that Issawi seemed to have problems to talk.
For his part, captive al-Issawi expressed surprise at news reports claiming that he was dying, and stressed that he would continue his hunger strike till the end.
Captives Ezzedine and Qa'dan transferred to the hospital
Families of hunger striking captives, Jafar Ezzedine and Tarek Qa'dan, from Arraba village southern Jenin, expressed deep concern after the urgent transfer of the two prisoners to hospital on Monday evening due to deterioration of their health.
Wife of prisoner Jafar Ezzedine told PIC's correspondent that the transfer of the captives to the hospital was expected in light of the deterioration of their health conditions due to the hunger strike.
She emphasizes that the family holds the occupation authorities fully responsible for the deterioration of the captives' health.
For his part; Mahmoud, brother of captive Qa'dan, said that the lawyer told the two families that the two prisoners have been transferred to Serfant hospital (Assaf Harofe), in the 1948-occupied territories, as a result of the deterioration of their health after entering their 80th day of hunger strike.
He pointed out that the captives have confirmed to the lawyer their determination to continue their open hunger strike until achieving their release.
Wife of prisoner Jafar Ezzedine told PIC's correspondent that the transfer of the captives to the hospital was expected in light of the deterioration of their health conditions due to the hunger strike.
She emphasizes that the family holds the occupation authorities fully responsible for the deterioration of the captives' health.
For his part; Mahmoud, brother of captive Qa'dan, said that the lawyer told the two families that the two prisoners have been transferred to Serfant hospital (Assaf Harofe), in the 1948-occupied territories, as a result of the deterioration of their health after entering their 80th day of hunger strike.
He pointed out that the captives have confirmed to the lawyer their determination to continue their open hunger strike until achieving their release.
Five Jerusalem Youths Ordered Under House Arrest
The Jerusalem District Court ordered five Palestinian youth from the Beit Safafa town, in occupied East Jerusalem, under house arrest for five days.
The five have been identified as Bara’ Ibrahim Khattab, Mohammad Maher Oleyyan, Daoud Khaled Oleyyan, Mohammad Ibrahim Salman and Mohammad Yousef Al-Barq.
Head of the Engineering Committee in Beit Safafa, Abdul-Karim Lafi, told the Palestine News & Info Agency (WAFA) that Israeli soldiers surrounded the protest tent that was installed two weeks ago to protest the construction of settler road #4 in the town, broke into it and kidnapped the five youths.
The army claims that the youths hurled stones at the bulldozers working at the scene.
On Sunday February 10; Israeli soldiers and policemen violently attacked a nonviolent protest against the settlement road being built on Palestinian lands in Beit Safafa, injured two Palestinians and kidnapped two others.
Dozens of residents, including Arab member of Knesset Dr. Ahmad Tibi, participated in the protest and formed human chains in an attempt to stop the bulldozers from uprooting and bulldozing the lands for the construction of the settlement road.
Dr. Tibi said that Beit Safafa is facing a renewed assault by Israel, and that the Israeli government only wants to serve the settlers and build roads for them at the expense of the Palestinians in Beit Safafa, and in the rest of occupied Jerusalem.
Engineer Abdul-Karim Lafi, member of the Engineering Committee in Beit Safafa, stated that the residents reject the Israeli plan that aims at the illegal confiscation of 250 Dunams of their lands for the benefit of an 80-meter settler highway that extends for 1600 meters.
Beit Safafa resident, Majida Sobhi, stated that Israel started working on the new road approximately 5 months ago, and that when completed, the residents will start facing further difficulties as they will have to take alternate extended bypass roads whenever they enter or leave the town especially since this new highway will split their town.
The five have been identified as Bara’ Ibrahim Khattab, Mohammad Maher Oleyyan, Daoud Khaled Oleyyan, Mohammad Ibrahim Salman and Mohammad Yousef Al-Barq.
Head of the Engineering Committee in Beit Safafa, Abdul-Karim Lafi, told the Palestine News & Info Agency (WAFA) that Israeli soldiers surrounded the protest tent that was installed two weeks ago to protest the construction of settler road #4 in the town, broke into it and kidnapped the five youths.
The army claims that the youths hurled stones at the bulldozers working at the scene.
On Sunday February 10; Israeli soldiers and policemen violently attacked a nonviolent protest against the settlement road being built on Palestinian lands in Beit Safafa, injured two Palestinians and kidnapped two others.
Dozens of residents, including Arab member of Knesset Dr. Ahmad Tibi, participated in the protest and formed human chains in an attempt to stop the bulldozers from uprooting and bulldozing the lands for the construction of the settlement road.
Dr. Tibi said that Beit Safafa is facing a renewed assault by Israel, and that the Israeli government only wants to serve the settlers and build roads for them at the expense of the Palestinians in Beit Safafa, and in the rest of occupied Jerusalem.
Engineer Abdul-Karim Lafi, member of the Engineering Committee in Beit Safafa, stated that the residents reject the Israeli plan that aims at the illegal confiscation of 250 Dunams of their lands for the benefit of an 80-meter settler highway that extends for 1600 meters.
Beit Safafa resident, Majida Sobhi, stated that Israel started working on the new road approximately 5 months ago, and that when completed, the residents will start facing further difficulties as they will have to take alternate extended bypass roads whenever they enter or leave the town especially since this new highway will split their town.
IOF detains Palestinian youth at Erez
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) manning the Erez crossing detained a Palestinian young man on his return to the Gaza Strip in the company of his sick mother.
Human rights sources told the PIC reporter that IOF soldiers detained Mohammed Abu Dakka, 26, afternoon Tuesday while accompanying his mother Najwa Abu Dakka back to Gaza.
They said that the mother was treated at the Makased hospital in Jerusalem from injuries sustained during the latest Israeli aggression on Gaza.
IOF soldiers routinely detain Palestinian citizens crossing Erez, north of the Gaza Strip, for blackmailing purposes.
Human rights sources told the PIC reporter that IOF soldiers detained Mohammed Abu Dakka, 26, afternoon Tuesday while accompanying his mother Najwa Abu Dakka back to Gaza.
They said that the mother was treated at the Makased hospital in Jerusalem from injuries sustained during the latest Israeli aggression on Gaza.
IOF soldiers routinely detain Palestinian citizens crossing Erez, north of the Gaza Strip, for blackmailing purposes.
IOF kidnap Hamas official Ra'fat Nasif, and many others in night raids
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Tuesday kidnapped 16 Palestinians affiliated with the Hamas Movement, including senior official Ra'fat Nasif, in Tulkarem city.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that a large force of Israeli troops raided the house of Hamas official Ra'fat Nasif, 45, after removing its door, and forced him and his family outdoors in the freezing cold.
The IOF also kidnapped eight students of Khadouri university from their homes in Tulkarem city and Tal village south of Nablus. The students are members of the Islamic student bloc of Hamas at the university.
Three other young men were also taken prisoners during raids on their homes in Al-Khalil and Bethlehem cities.
The IOF also stormed and ransacked homes belonging to Mateir family in Qalandiya refugee camp south of Ramallah city and kidnapped four Palestinians. One day before his detention, Nasif slammed Fatah faction for its failure to end the political arrests against Hamas cadres and supporters in the West Bank.
He stated on his facebook page that the escalating political arrests in the West Bank confirm undoubtedly that Fatah has never been serious about the national reconciliation.
"Despite the sweet talks that we hear from the politicians meeting in Cairo, the brothers in the Fatah faction do not have the will to achieve the reconciliation," he stressed.
Hamas: Israeli detention of Palestinian leaders will not break their will
The Hamas movement has strongly condemned the arrest campaign launched by the occupation against its members and Islamic bloc university students in the occupied West Bank at dawn Tuesday. The movement said in a statement on Tuesday: "We in Hamas strongly condemn the continuation of chasing and arresting the leaders and icons of the Palestinian people by the Israeli enemy, and we hold it fully responsible for their safety and their lives."
Hamas asserted that this campaign will not succeed in dissuading its members from confronting the occupation plans and projects and will not break their steadfastness and will.
It added that storming the houses of civilians and terrorizing the inhabitants represent crimes that reveal the true face of the occupation which has been daily violating the international laws and norms.
Hamas demanded the PA to condemn these arrests and pressure the occupation in order to release all the detainees. It also called on the Palestinian people to confront the crimes and schemes of the occupation by all means and to unite their ranks.
The statement also urged human rights and humanitarian organizations to expose the occupation crimes and to immediately intervene to prosecute Israeli leaders and to pressure it in the international forums to oblige it to stop chasing and detaining the leaders and sons of the Palestinian people.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that a large force of Israeli troops raided the house of Hamas official Ra'fat Nasif, 45, after removing its door, and forced him and his family outdoors in the freezing cold.
The IOF also kidnapped eight students of Khadouri university from their homes in Tulkarem city and Tal village south of Nablus. The students are members of the Islamic student bloc of Hamas at the university.
Three other young men were also taken prisoners during raids on their homes in Al-Khalil and Bethlehem cities.
The IOF also stormed and ransacked homes belonging to Mateir family in Qalandiya refugee camp south of Ramallah city and kidnapped four Palestinians. One day before his detention, Nasif slammed Fatah faction for its failure to end the political arrests against Hamas cadres and supporters in the West Bank.
He stated on his facebook page that the escalating political arrests in the West Bank confirm undoubtedly that Fatah has never been serious about the national reconciliation.
"Despite the sweet talks that we hear from the politicians meeting in Cairo, the brothers in the Fatah faction do not have the will to achieve the reconciliation," he stressed.
Hamas: Israeli detention of Palestinian leaders will not break their will
The Hamas movement has strongly condemned the arrest campaign launched by the occupation against its members and Islamic bloc university students in the occupied West Bank at dawn Tuesday. The movement said in a statement on Tuesday: "We in Hamas strongly condemn the continuation of chasing and arresting the leaders and icons of the Palestinian people by the Israeli enemy, and we hold it fully responsible for their safety and their lives."
Hamas asserted that this campaign will not succeed in dissuading its members from confronting the occupation plans and projects and will not break their steadfastness and will.
It added that storming the houses of civilians and terrorizing the inhabitants represent crimes that reveal the true face of the occupation which has been daily violating the international laws and norms.
Hamas demanded the PA to condemn these arrests and pressure the occupation in order to release all the detainees. It also called on the Palestinian people to confront the crimes and schemes of the occupation by all means and to unite their ranks.
The statement also urged human rights and humanitarian organizations to expose the occupation crimes and to immediately intervene to prosecute Israeli leaders and to pressure it in the international forums to oblige it to stop chasing and detaining the leaders and sons of the Palestinian people.
Ahrar: Tension high in Gilboa prison
Tension is running high in the Israeli Gilboa jail in northern Palestine occupied in 1948 after its director told Palestinian prisoners that they would be stripped of a number of privileges. The director of Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights, Fuad Al-Khafsh, said on Monday that the prison’s director said that prisoners would no longer enjoy the privilege of having storerooms where they used to put their clothes and other belongings instead of having them piled in the crammed prison cells.
Elderly and sick prisoners would be deprived of the privilege of longer strolling periods outside their cells, the strolling period itself would be slashed among other decisions, Khafsh quoted the director as saying.
Prisoner Mohammed Sabha, a member of the prisoners’ leadership, told Ahrar that they refused the decisions and threatened protest steps.
Khafsh said that the prisoners were pondering a series of protest steps such as refusing meals and tabling complaints against the prison’s director at Israeli courts in addition to staging a general state of disobedience inside the jail.
Elderly and sick prisoners would be deprived of the privilege of longer strolling periods outside their cells, the strolling period itself would be slashed among other decisions, Khafsh quoted the director as saying.
Prisoner Mohammed Sabha, a member of the prisoners’ leadership, told Ahrar that they refused the decisions and threatened protest steps.
Khafsh said that the prisoners were pondering a series of protest steps such as refusing meals and tabling complaints against the prison’s director at Israeli courts in addition to staging a general state of disobedience inside the jail.
Hunger strikers in Ramla jail determined to resist Israeli pressures
The Palestinian hunger strikers in the Ramla jail said they are determined to continue their hunger strike and resist all Israeli pressures until they extract their freedom. This came during a visit made by the lawyer of the Palestinian prisoner society to the hunger strikers, Samer Issawi, Jafar Izzeddin and Tareq Qaadan in the infirmary of the Ramla jail.
The hunger strikers told the lawyer that despite their deteriorating health conditions, they would not end their hunger strike unless their demands are met.
They added that the Israeli doctors and the administration of the Ramla infirmary have been trying to transfer them to a hospital, but they refused and insisted on getting their demands first.
The prisoner affirmed that they would go on their hunger strike until they die or get their freedom.
A permanent sit-in tent in solidarity with prisoners in al-Bireh
Palestinian prisoners' families and a number of human rights organizations have established a permanent protest tent outside al-Bireh Municipality in Ramallah in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The sit-in was attended by a large crowd of citizens and Palestinian leaders, led by Sheikh Raed Salah, head of the Islamic Movement in 1948-occupied Palestinian territories, Mohammed Zaidan, head of the High Follow-up Committee, and a number of members of Change and Reform Islamic bloc in addition to a number of popular and official figures.
The liberated prisoner Gofran Zamel, the prisoner Hassan Salameh's fiancée, stated that the Palestinian prisoners suffer repression practiced by the IPS against them, adding that they need more support to their issue.
For his part, Sheikh Raed Salah stressed that "the prisoners' issue will be closed after the end of the Israeli occupation to the Palestinian land."
Sheikh Salah said that the Palestine is the only country under occupation in the world. Time has come to liberate Jerusalem from the Israeli occupation, he added.
Meanwhile, a weekly sit-in was organized on Monday outside the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza.
During the sit-in, the liberated prisoner Akram al-Rikhawi who was released two days ago after a long hunger strike, has called for more solidarity activities with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, especially the hunger strikers and patients.
Al-Rikhawi thanked all who supported him during his hunger strike, pointing out to the suffering of the prisoners in Israeli jails where "15 Palestinian prisoners are in very critical health condition and they might die at any moment.
He pointed out to the liberated prisoner Ashraf Abu Draa's case, who died recently after his release, where the Israeli doctors had known that he would die after two years but they refused to release him.
He emphasized that the occupation provides treatment for sick prisoners too late after their bodies stop responding to treatment.
We will continue fighting for the release of prisoners, he added, calling for more solidarity and popular activities.
He explained that the prisoner Samer al-Issawi, on hunger strike since 7 months, is in a very difficult situation, addressing the occupation that they will continue the battle till freedom and dignity.
Haniyeh calls on human rights institutions to save prisoners
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has met with a delegation from the Danish Red Crescent headed by Mohamed Kaissi, praising their efforts in support of the Palestinian people. Haniyeh praised the Palestinian and Arab communities' role in western countries in support of the Palestinian issue.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Gaza was always present in western conferences, considering those communities' efforts in support of Palestine as a form of resistance.
Haniyeh renewed his adherence to the Palestinian constants and right of return, stressing that they will fight till liberating each inch of the Palestinian territories from the river to the sea.
We will never give up our land and our Jerusalem and our prisoners' freedom, he added.
He called on the human rights organizations to move immediately to save the lives of the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike, especially Ayman Sharawna and Samer a-Issawi.
He stressed the need to consider them as war prisoners and to work for their release.
Gaza Premier noted that these days mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of leader Hasan Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, stressing on the importance of resistance to liberate the land.
He appreciated the Arab and Muslim positions in the service of the Palestinian cause, calling for the formation of coalition in support of Palestine.
For his part, the head of the delegation d. Mohammed Kaissi thanked the Palestinian people for the warm reception, stressing the need to continue supporting the Palestinian people.
The hunger strikers told the lawyer that despite their deteriorating health conditions, they would not end their hunger strike unless their demands are met.
They added that the Israeli doctors and the administration of the Ramla infirmary have been trying to transfer them to a hospital, but they refused and insisted on getting their demands first.
The prisoner affirmed that they would go on their hunger strike until they die or get their freedom.
A permanent sit-in tent in solidarity with prisoners in al-Bireh
Palestinian prisoners' families and a number of human rights organizations have established a permanent protest tent outside al-Bireh Municipality in Ramallah in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The sit-in was attended by a large crowd of citizens and Palestinian leaders, led by Sheikh Raed Salah, head of the Islamic Movement in 1948-occupied Palestinian territories, Mohammed Zaidan, head of the High Follow-up Committee, and a number of members of Change and Reform Islamic bloc in addition to a number of popular and official figures.
The liberated prisoner Gofran Zamel, the prisoner Hassan Salameh's fiancée, stated that the Palestinian prisoners suffer repression practiced by the IPS against them, adding that they need more support to their issue.
For his part, Sheikh Raed Salah stressed that "the prisoners' issue will be closed after the end of the Israeli occupation to the Palestinian land."
Sheikh Salah said that the Palestine is the only country under occupation in the world. Time has come to liberate Jerusalem from the Israeli occupation, he added.
Meanwhile, a weekly sit-in was organized on Monday outside the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza.
During the sit-in, the liberated prisoner Akram al-Rikhawi who was released two days ago after a long hunger strike, has called for more solidarity activities with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, especially the hunger strikers and patients.
Al-Rikhawi thanked all who supported him during his hunger strike, pointing out to the suffering of the prisoners in Israeli jails where "15 Palestinian prisoners are in very critical health condition and they might die at any moment.
He pointed out to the liberated prisoner Ashraf Abu Draa's case, who died recently after his release, where the Israeli doctors had known that he would die after two years but they refused to release him.
He emphasized that the occupation provides treatment for sick prisoners too late after their bodies stop responding to treatment.
We will continue fighting for the release of prisoners, he added, calling for more solidarity and popular activities.
He explained that the prisoner Samer al-Issawi, on hunger strike since 7 months, is in a very difficult situation, addressing the occupation that they will continue the battle till freedom and dignity.
Haniyeh calls on human rights institutions to save prisoners
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has met with a delegation from the Danish Red Crescent headed by Mohamed Kaissi, praising their efforts in support of the Palestinian people. Haniyeh praised the Palestinian and Arab communities' role in western countries in support of the Palestinian issue.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Gaza was always present in western conferences, considering those communities' efforts in support of Palestine as a form of resistance.
Haniyeh renewed his adherence to the Palestinian constants and right of return, stressing that they will fight till liberating each inch of the Palestinian territories from the river to the sea.
We will never give up our land and our Jerusalem and our prisoners' freedom, he added.
He called on the human rights organizations to move immediately to save the lives of the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike, especially Ayman Sharawna and Samer a-Issawi.
He stressed the need to consider them as war prisoners and to work for their release.
Gaza Premier noted that these days mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of leader Hasan Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, stressing on the importance of resistance to liberate the land.
He appreciated the Arab and Muslim positions in the service of the Palestinian cause, calling for the formation of coalition in support of Palestine.
For his part, the head of the delegation d. Mohammed Kaissi thanked the Palestinian people for the warm reception, stressing the need to continue supporting the Palestinian people.
