14 july 2013
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya discussed over the phone with the leadership of the Egyptian intelligence agency the issue of Jordanian hunger striker Abdullah Barghouthi and his deteriorating health condition. Spokesman for the government Ihab Al-Ghussein stated on his facebook that premier Haneyya urged the Egyptian intelligence to urgently move to pressure the Israeli regime to end the suffering of prisoner Barghouthi, who has been on hunger strike for 77 days.
Ghussein added that premier Haneyya received an Egyptian pledge to intervene in this regard.
Human rights groups had said that prisoner Abdullah Barghouthi was no longer able to have injections and his health status reached a life-threatening stage.
In a related context, Mandela institute for human rights expressed its deep concern over the life of prisoner Abdullah Barghouthi, whose health condition seriously worsened.
Head of the institute Buthaina Duqmaq stated that She visited Barghouthi in Afula hospital as he was lying on a bed in very poor shape.
Duqmaq added that she noticed that Barghouthi was extremely fatigued while his right hand and left leg are shackled to the bed without any consideration for his miserable condition.
She said that Barghouthi told her that he and his fellow hunger strikers insist on continuing their hunger strikers until the Israeli regime meets their just demands.
Prisoners threaten to escalate their protest in jails
Palestinian prisoners threatened an unprecedented wave of anger, in case the Jordanian prisoner Abdullah Barghouti dies following the deterioration of his health condition due to his long hunger strike. Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies said in a press statement on Sunday that Barghouti may die at any moment as a result of the seriousness of his health condition.
Prisoner Barghouti started, a week ago, to suffer from problems in the blood vessels supplying the brain, which led to vision problems. He also enters in long comas up to 17 hours a day. He lost 20 kg of weight and suffers from severe pain all over his body.
The center said in its statement that the prisoners asserted that they will support and defend all their colleagues, especially the hunger strikers.
They appealed to all popular and official bodies to shoulder their responsibilities and intervene to save Barghouti from "certain death", as they said.
Palestinian Prisoners' Center held the occupation authorities full responsibility for the life of Barghouti, who has been on hunger strike since May 2, along with four other Jordanian prisoners, and for the repercussions that may result from his death due to the neglect of his condition.
Ghussein added that premier Haneyya received an Egyptian pledge to intervene in this regard.
Human rights groups had said that prisoner Abdullah Barghouthi was no longer able to have injections and his health status reached a life-threatening stage.
In a related context, Mandela institute for human rights expressed its deep concern over the life of prisoner Abdullah Barghouthi, whose health condition seriously worsened.
Head of the institute Buthaina Duqmaq stated that She visited Barghouthi in Afula hospital as he was lying on a bed in very poor shape.
Duqmaq added that she noticed that Barghouthi was extremely fatigued while his right hand and left leg are shackled to the bed without any consideration for his miserable condition.
She said that Barghouthi told her that he and his fellow hunger strikers insist on continuing their hunger strikers until the Israeli regime meets their just demands.
Prisoners threaten to escalate their protest in jails
Palestinian prisoners threatened an unprecedented wave of anger, in case the Jordanian prisoner Abdullah Barghouti dies following the deterioration of his health condition due to his long hunger strike. Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies said in a press statement on Sunday that Barghouti may die at any moment as a result of the seriousness of his health condition.
Prisoner Barghouti started, a week ago, to suffer from problems in the blood vessels supplying the brain, which led to vision problems. He also enters in long comas up to 17 hours a day. He lost 20 kg of weight and suffers from severe pain all over his body.
The center said in its statement that the prisoners asserted that they will support and defend all their colleagues, especially the hunger strikers.
They appealed to all popular and official bodies to shoulder their responsibilities and intervene to save Barghouti from "certain death", as they said.
Palestinian Prisoners' Center held the occupation authorities full responsibility for the life of Barghouti, who has been on hunger strike since May 2, along with four other Jordanian prisoners, and for the repercussions that may result from his death due to the neglect of his condition.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) interrogated a number of citizens in the vicinity of Jalama roadblock to the north of Jenin on Sunday morning. Local sources said that the soldiers stormed a petrol station near the barrier and interrogated three citizens after a search campaign.
They said that the IOF command cancelled the extension in opening the Jalama roadblock to 10.00 pm due to alleged “security reasons”.
The sources added that the IOF had declared extension of the work of the barrier for three hours on the first day of Ramadan on the occasion of the holy month but soon retracted on its decision only four days after start of the month.
They said that the IOF command cancelled the extension in opening the Jalama roadblock to 10.00 pm due to alleged “security reasons”.
The sources added that the IOF had declared extension of the work of the barrier for three hours on the first day of Ramadan on the occasion of the holy month but soon retracted on its decision only four days after start of the month.
The hunger striking prisoners at the Soroka Hospital asserted that the conditions of their detention in Israeli hospitals increase their suffering as the Israeli authorities adopts various methods to pressure them. Palestinian Prisoners' Society (PPS) said in a statement that its lawyer visited the captives at Soroka Hospital, and asserted that their situation is extremely serious.
It added that the prisoners are demanding to return to Ramle prison clinic due to the methods of repression against them in the Israeli hospital.
There are 12 jailers and officers in the striking prisoners' room, they deliberately eat and drink before the hunger strikers in attempt to exert psychological pressure on them.
The two Jordanian captives Munir Mar'i and Alaa Hammad, who have been on hunger strike since May 2, said that their suffering continues for the 24 hours and that even at night the jailers prevent them from sleeping.
The prisoners have also been handcuffed all the day, which has aggravated their suffering and caused them more health problems.
It added that the prisoners are demanding to return to Ramle prison clinic due to the methods of repression against them in the Israeli hospital.
There are 12 jailers and officers in the striking prisoners' room, they deliberately eat and drink before the hunger strikers in attempt to exert psychological pressure on them.
The two Jordanian captives Munir Mar'i and Alaa Hammad, who have been on hunger strike since May 2, said that their suffering continues for the 24 hours and that even at night the jailers prevent them from sleeping.
The prisoners have also been handcuffed all the day, which has aggravated their suffering and caused them more health problems.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up 63 Palestinians in the West Bank over the past week, statistics issued by Hamas movement said. The movement said that the soldiers storm local homes in various West Bank cities, villages, and refugee camps on daily basis.
It said that Al-Khalil topped the list with 19 citizens nabbed in the district followed by 16 in Ramallah and six in Jerusalem.
Five were detained in each of Nablus, Jenin, and Bethlehem while four were taken from Tulkarem and three from Qalqilia.
The report underlined that one of the detainees was a Hamas leader, Falah Nada, from Ramallah, adding that the arrestees included university students and liberated prisoners.
It said that Al-Khalil topped the list with 19 citizens nabbed in the district followed by 16 in Ramallah and six in Jerusalem.
Five were detained in each of Nablus, Jenin, and Bethlehem while four were taken from Tulkarem and three from Qalqilia.
The report underlined that one of the detainees was a Hamas leader, Falah Nada, from Ramallah, adding that the arrestees included university students and liberated prisoners.
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Human rights groups have condemned the arrest of a five-year-old Palestinian boy by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, Press TV reports.
The boy, Wadia Meswedeh, was arrested on July 9 at a checkpoint near Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of al-Khalil for ‘throwing stones’ at the car of an Israeli settler. The arrest has prompted condemnations by several human rights groups. Press TV’s correspondent in al-Khalil has talked to Wadia and his family. “I threw the stone at a dog and stone landed on the settler’s car. The settler called the soldier and told him that I threw the stone at his car. They came here and called my father and then they arrested him, blindfolded him and took us somewhere we waited for one hour,” Wadia told Press TV on Saturday.
Wadia’s father says the incident is just an example of the violence that Palestinians in al-Khalil face because of the Israeli occupation. He also said Israeli troops attack media or anyone filming violations against Palestinians. This has led to a lack of media coverage of the humanitarian crisis in al-Khalil, he said. Press TV crew were also stopped and questioned by the Israeli soldiers before entering the old city. |
The Meswedeh family lives in the H2 Area of al-Khalil, which is under full Israeli military control.
The arrest or detention of a minor is against international law and the fourth Geneva Convention. It also defies Israeli military law, which states that a minor under 12 cannot be arrested.
The arrest of the five-year-old Palestinian boy has made his family believe that the international community and human rights groups have not done enough regarding Israel’s crimes.
The arrest or detention of a minor is against international law and the fourth Geneva Convention. It also defies Israeli military law, which states that a minor under 12 cannot be arrested.
The arrest of the five-year-old Palestinian boy has made his family believe that the international community and human rights groups have not done enough regarding Israel’s crimes.
13 july 2013
Israeli forces Saturday arrested a youth from the Qalqilya Governorate after raiding his home, said witnesses. Residents told WAFA that Israeli soldiers raided the town of Azzoun, east of Qalqilya, and arrested a 23-year-old Palestinian after raiding his family home and inspecting its content.
This comes amid a closure of the main town road imposed by Israel for the fifth day in a row, harming the 10,000 residents of Azzoun.
This comes amid a closure of the main town road imposed by Israel for the fifth day in a row, harming the 10,000 residents of Azzoun.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed Saturday Azzun village in Qalqilya northern West Bank where they arrested a Palestinian, while continued to close its entrance for the fifth consecutive day. Hasan Shubaita, an anti-occupation activist in the village, told Quds Press that an Israeli military force stormed at the early morning hours Azzun village where they raided and searched a number of houses.
The source added that the Israeli forces arrested Usayd Salim, 23, after storming and searching his parents' house.
He pointed out that the Israeli authorities continued to close the entrance of the village for the fifth consecutive day, preventing the residents from leaving or entering the village under trivial pretexts.
Shubaita considered the Israeli decision to close Azzun entrance as an unjustified, mass punishment, calling on the concerned parties to pressure the occupation authorities to lift the siege on the village during the holy month of Ramadan.
The source added that the Israeli forces arrested Usayd Salim, 23, after storming and searching his parents' house.
He pointed out that the Israeli authorities continued to close the entrance of the village for the fifth consecutive day, preventing the residents from leaving or entering the village under trivial pretexts.
Shubaita considered the Israeli decision to close Azzun entrance as an unjustified, mass punishment, calling on the concerned parties to pressure the occupation authorities to lift the siege on the village during the holy month of Ramadan.
Prisoners' Center for Studies said on Saturday that patient prisoners in Israeli jails complain about the medical neglect and lack of medicines even for patients with chronic diseases. The center said in a statement that "the prisoners suffering chronic diseases do not trust medicines prescribed by the prison doctor, due to reports confirming that drugs are being tested on prisoners, in addition to the lack of confidence in the prison doctor who deliberately harm the prisoners."
The Center charged that the martyrdom of patient prisoners proves the policy of medical neglect against the captives.
It pointed out that prescribing inappropriate medication for prisoners in Israeli jails had never ceased and called for raising the issue before the international medical institutions and human rights organizations.
The Center charged that the martyrdom of patient prisoners proves the policy of medical neglect against the captives.
It pointed out that prescribing inappropriate medication for prisoners in Israeli jails had never ceased and called for raising the issue before the international medical institutions and human rights organizations.
Palestinian Authority security apparatuses arrested three Hamas affiliates in the occupied West Bank, and summoned four others. In al-Khalil, elements of the General Intelligence at dawn Friday arrested liberated prisoner Musab Abu Sneineh, 25, after raiding his home in the area of Wadi al-Harya.
Abu Sneineh has been released only two months ago from the Israeli jails, where he served about three years. He had previously been summoned several times by the Preventive Security Service (PSS) in al-Khalil.
Musab's father considered the arrest of his son a crime as he did not commit any offense against the Authority, and appealed to the human rights organizations to intervene rapidly to release him.
The Palestinian Intelligence service has also arrested on Friday the liberated prisoner and former political detainee Muhannad Niroukh and his brother Musab after raiding their house and attacking their mother and two sisters.
One of Muhannad's sisters was transferred to hospital as she went into a coma after the intelligence elements severely assaulted her.
For its part, the PSS summoned a liberated prisoner from Dura village and a student at the Palestine Polytechnic University. He had been summoned twice earlier during this month.
The Preventive apparatus summoned another liberated prisoner and former political detainee, but he refused to obey.
PSS in Tulkarem extended the detention of three detainees for 15 days pending investigation
It also arrested student Fouad Jawabra at An-Najah National University from the town of Asira Al-Shamaliya in Nablus, and handed to a liberated captive a summons to its headquarters following two days of detention in the apparatus's jails.
Another liberated prisoner and ex-political detainee from the village of Far'ta in Qalqilya was summoned by the intelligence service.
In Tulkarem, elements of the PSS tried to kidnap the liberated captive and student at An-Najah University Musab Qozah. He is a member of the Students' Union Council for the Islamic bloc and a former political prisoner in the PA's jails.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested on Friday night in Qalqilya and Tulkarem three ex-captives; liberated from the Palestinian Authority jails.
Abu Sneineh has been released only two months ago from the Israeli jails, where he served about three years. He had previously been summoned several times by the Preventive Security Service (PSS) in al-Khalil.
Musab's father considered the arrest of his son a crime as he did not commit any offense against the Authority, and appealed to the human rights organizations to intervene rapidly to release him.
The Palestinian Intelligence service has also arrested on Friday the liberated prisoner and former political detainee Muhannad Niroukh and his brother Musab after raiding their house and attacking their mother and two sisters.
One of Muhannad's sisters was transferred to hospital as she went into a coma after the intelligence elements severely assaulted her.
For its part, the PSS summoned a liberated prisoner from Dura village and a student at the Palestine Polytechnic University. He had been summoned twice earlier during this month.
The Preventive apparatus summoned another liberated prisoner and former political detainee, but he refused to obey.
PSS in Tulkarem extended the detention of three detainees for 15 days pending investigation
It also arrested student Fouad Jawabra at An-Najah National University from the town of Asira Al-Shamaliya in Nablus, and handed to a liberated captive a summons to its headquarters following two days of detention in the apparatus's jails.
Another liberated prisoner and ex-political detainee from the village of Far'ta in Qalqilya was summoned by the intelligence service.
In Tulkarem, elements of the PSS tried to kidnap the liberated captive and student at An-Najah University Musab Qozah. He is a member of the Students' Union Council for the Islamic bloc and a former political prisoner in the PA's jails.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested on Friday night in Qalqilya and Tulkarem three ex-captives; liberated from the Palestinian Authority jails.
The Palestinian prisoner society said that the health condition of Jordanian hunger striker Abdullah Barghouthi has deteriorated further and his arms suffered severe inflammations. Lawyer of the society Jawad Boles stated on Friday that the injections left clear inflammatory marks on his arms, noting that Barghouthi suffers from abnormalities in his liver, kidneys and other vital organs.
Boles added that the Israeli doctors also had to stop providing him with fluids through his veins and all he has is only water.
He affirmed that despite the seriousness of his health condition, the Israeli jailers insist on keeping his right hand and leg shackled to the hospital bed.
In a related incident, many Palestinians from the 1948 occupied lands and foreign activists participated on Friday in a sit-in outside Megiddo prison in solidarity with the Jordanian hunger strikers in Israeli jails.
The protestors held pictures of the hunger strikers and banners calling for supporting the cause of the Jordanian prisoners.
Different sit-ins were supposed to take place outside the hospitals of Afula, Kfar Saba and Ramla where the Jordanian hunger strikers are being held, but because of Israeli restrictions, the protestors had to change the place of their protest and rally to a new location outside Megiddo prison.
For her part, Miya Hameed, spokeswoman for freedom for Palestinian and Arab prisoners coalition, said that the coalition in cooperation with the prisoner committee launched a campaign to raise the issue of the hunger strikers, especially the Jordanians, in order to save their lives and pressure the Israeli regime to respond to their demands.
Qaraqe’: “Hunger Striking Detainee Barghouthi Faces Serious Health Conditions”
Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, stated Saturday [July 13, 2013] that detainee Abdullah Barghouthi, who entered his 75th day of hunger strike is facing very serious health complications.
Qaraqe’ said that Barghouthi, currently at the Al-Affoula Hospital, is facing serious conditions, and that he is not responding treatment, including intravenous glucose, his veins became too narrow and his body cells are collapsing, an issue that is preventing the physicians from giving him IV solutions.
The Minister voiced an urgent appeal to the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Red Cross, different Human Rights groups and king Abdullah of Jordan to intervene and save the life of Barghouthi, and all hunger striking detainees.
He added that Barghouthi is now holding an Irish style hunger strike, as he is also not drinking liquids.
Lawyer Hanan Khateeb managed to visit Barghouthi at the Al-Affoula Hospital, and stated that he is currently facing heavy migraines, sharp pain in his liver and various organs.
She added that Barghouthi is shackled to his hospital bed, his body is very weak, pale, and that he can speak but very slow in his speech, barely able to utter the words.
Barghouthi was moved from the Ramla prison clinic to the Al-Affoula Israeli hospital, Thursday June 6 2013, due to a sharp deteriorating in his health condition.
He is serving 37 life terms, and is the leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.
Boles added that the Israeli doctors also had to stop providing him with fluids through his veins and all he has is only water.
He affirmed that despite the seriousness of his health condition, the Israeli jailers insist on keeping his right hand and leg shackled to the hospital bed.
In a related incident, many Palestinians from the 1948 occupied lands and foreign activists participated on Friday in a sit-in outside Megiddo prison in solidarity with the Jordanian hunger strikers in Israeli jails.
The protestors held pictures of the hunger strikers and banners calling for supporting the cause of the Jordanian prisoners.
Different sit-ins were supposed to take place outside the hospitals of Afula, Kfar Saba and Ramla where the Jordanian hunger strikers are being held, but because of Israeli restrictions, the protestors had to change the place of their protest and rally to a new location outside Megiddo prison.
For her part, Miya Hameed, spokeswoman for freedom for Palestinian and Arab prisoners coalition, said that the coalition in cooperation with the prisoner committee launched a campaign to raise the issue of the hunger strikers, especially the Jordanians, in order to save their lives and pressure the Israeli regime to respond to their demands.
Qaraqe’: “Hunger Striking Detainee Barghouthi Faces Serious Health Conditions”
Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, stated Saturday [July 13, 2013] that detainee Abdullah Barghouthi, who entered his 75th day of hunger strike is facing very serious health complications.
Qaraqe’ said that Barghouthi, currently at the Al-Affoula Hospital, is facing serious conditions, and that he is not responding treatment, including intravenous glucose, his veins became too narrow and his body cells are collapsing, an issue that is preventing the physicians from giving him IV solutions.
The Minister voiced an urgent appeal to the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Red Cross, different Human Rights groups and king Abdullah of Jordan to intervene and save the life of Barghouthi, and all hunger striking detainees.
He added that Barghouthi is now holding an Irish style hunger strike, as he is also not drinking liquids.
Lawyer Hanan Khateeb managed to visit Barghouthi at the Al-Affoula Hospital, and stated that he is currently facing heavy migraines, sharp pain in his liver and various organs.
She added that Barghouthi is shackled to his hospital bed, his body is very weak, pale, and that he can speak but very slow in his speech, barely able to utter the words.
Barghouthi was moved from the Ramla prison clinic to the Al-Affoula Israeli hospital, Thursday June 6 2013, due to a sharp deteriorating in his health condition.
He is serving 37 life terms, and is the leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.
Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies said that the Israeli prison service transferred a number of prisoners from and to Raymond prison just to harass them during the holy fasting month of Ramadan. The center said in a statement on Friday that the IPS decided to transfer eight prisoners from Raymond to the Negev desert prison.
Meanwhile, eight other prisoners affiliated with the Popular Front have been also transferred from several Israeli jails to Raymond prison.
Researcher Riad al-Ashqar, media director of the Center, considered that these arbitrary, deliberate, and unjustified transfers aim to exhaust the captives especially during Ramadan, and noted that these transfers represent part of a series of violations against prisoners in this month.
Ashqar pointed out that the arbitrary practices against the prisoners in Ramadan include raiding and searching the prisons' wards and rooms, isolating some prisoners in solitary confinement cells, and confiscating ventilators from the captives' rooms.
The center asked the international human rights organizations to intervene in order to put an end to the Israeli attacks on prisoners during Ramadan, and force the Israeli occupation to respect Muslims' rituals in this month.
Meanwhile, eight other prisoners affiliated with the Popular Front have been also transferred from several Israeli jails to Raymond prison.
Researcher Riad al-Ashqar, media director of the Center, considered that these arbitrary, deliberate, and unjustified transfers aim to exhaust the captives especially during Ramadan, and noted that these transfers represent part of a series of violations against prisoners in this month.
Ashqar pointed out that the arbitrary practices against the prisoners in Ramadan include raiding and searching the prisons' wards and rooms, isolating some prisoners in solitary confinement cells, and confiscating ventilators from the captives' rooms.
The center asked the international human rights organizations to intervene in order to put an end to the Israeli attacks on prisoners during Ramadan, and force the Israeli occupation to respect Muslims' rituals in this month.
12 july 2013
Israeli forces on Thursday detained a 54-year-old man returning to Gaza at the Erez crossing on the Israeli border, Palestinian officials said.
Israel closes the Erez crossing to most Palestinians, but Mohammad Abu Harbid, 54, had been granted permission to enter Israel to accompany his sick brother.
Abu Harbid's brother had sought medical treatment in Israel but died in hospital.
Israeli forces detained Abu Harbid on his return to Gaza but allowed his brother's body to be returned, Palestinian liaison officials told Ma'an.
Israel closes the Erez crossing to most Palestinians, but Mohammad Abu Harbid, 54, had been granted permission to enter Israel to accompany his sick brother.
Abu Harbid's brother had sought medical treatment in Israel but died in hospital.
Israeli forces detained Abu Harbid on his return to Gaza but allowed his brother's body to be returned, Palestinian liaison officials told Ma'an.
The Israeli authorities have released on Thursday three prisoners from the Gaza strip after serving 9 years in custody. Khader Al Rayes, Abdullah Abu Jabal, and Yusuf Alakeshtan were released yesterday after spending 9 years in Israeli jails for resisting the occupation, Wa'ad Association for liberated prisoners said.
The three prisoners were arrested in 2004 and 2005 and they were released after ending their sentences.
Hundreds of the freed prisoners' relatives and friends have received them at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.
More than 5 thousands prisoners are held in Israeli jails, including 1000 sick prisoners, 280 children, 15 female prisoners, 13 MPs and ministers and 450 prisoners from Gaza strip.
The three prisoners were arrested in 2004 and 2005 and they were released after ending their sentences.
Hundreds of the freed prisoners' relatives and friends have received them at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.
More than 5 thousands prisoners are held in Israeli jails, including 1000 sick prisoners, 280 children, 15 female prisoners, 13 MPs and ministers and 450 prisoners from Gaza strip.
UFree network to defend the rights of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails denounce in a press release, the new flagrant violations committed by Israel. The new violation concerns a Palestinian citizen named Wael Hasan Abu Raida, 35, who was abducted by Israeli Intelligence Agency "Mossad" from Sinai Peninsula in Egypt last month."
It's reported that Abu Raida was in a medical trip (for his son who suffers cancer) in Egypt before he "vanished" and then appeared in Israel. He was contacted by unknown people who led him to Sinai from Cairo then he was taken to Israeli detention centres across borders. According to his family, he was due to obtain the Egyptian nationality.
The abducted civilian appeared before an Israeli magistrate court Wednesday which ordered that he remains in detention for 8 days. According to Faris Abu Hasan, Lawyer for Solidarity Human Rights Organisation, the court imposed blackout on the details of the case or the reasons of the kidnapping for security matters.
The family of Abu Raida held Egyptian authorities responsible for this incident as it took place in Egyptian soil where the sovereignty of independent state was violated.
UFree Network calls on Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to open an immediate investigation on this issue and pressure Israel to release Abu Raida. Meanwhile, International Agencies especially UN should also adhere to its morale responsibility by putting an end to ongoing Israeli violations at many levels.
It's worth noting that this is not the first time where Israel kidnaps Palestinian civilians out of Palestine. Two years ago, engineer Dirar Abu Sisi, was abducted from Ukraine and smuggled to Israel by Israeli Mossad and some of its agents in Europe and Jordan. UFree launched a campaign to release him from Israeli detention.
It's reported that Abu Raida was in a medical trip (for his son who suffers cancer) in Egypt before he "vanished" and then appeared in Israel. He was contacted by unknown people who led him to Sinai from Cairo then he was taken to Israeli detention centres across borders. According to his family, he was due to obtain the Egyptian nationality.
The abducted civilian appeared before an Israeli magistrate court Wednesday which ordered that he remains in detention for 8 days. According to Faris Abu Hasan, Lawyer for Solidarity Human Rights Organisation, the court imposed blackout on the details of the case or the reasons of the kidnapping for security matters.
The family of Abu Raida held Egyptian authorities responsible for this incident as it took place in Egyptian soil where the sovereignty of independent state was violated.
UFree Network calls on Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to open an immediate investigation on this issue and pressure Israel to release Abu Raida. Meanwhile, International Agencies especially UN should also adhere to its morale responsibility by putting an end to ongoing Israeli violations at many levels.
It's worth noting that this is not the first time where Israel kidnaps Palestinian civilians out of Palestine. Two years ago, engineer Dirar Abu Sisi, was abducted from Ukraine and smuggled to Israel by Israeli Mossad and some of its agents in Europe and Jordan. UFree launched a campaign to release him from Israeli detention.
Director of Ahrar Center for Prisoners Studies and Human Rights, Fuad Al-Khuffash, condemned Thursday the Israeli government's decision to pass a bill that will allow the Prisons authorities force-feed prisoners on hunger strike "legally".
He said that this law violates the international laws, and the occupation is working on passing such laws, while the international community is silence against its crimes.
The occupation previously approves laws that violate the international laws such the law of preventing lawyers from visiting the prisoners and Shalit's law.
Al-Khuffash pointed that the occupation feels worry by the increasing number of hunger striker detainees, who forced the occupation to pass such a law.
PCHR warns of Israeli intention to force-feed hunger striking captives
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) warned of occupation authorities' intention to apply a law that will allow the authorities force-feed prisoners on hunger strike, which forms a real danger on the lives of captives. The center said in a press statement on Thursday "The imposition of force-feeding on the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails is a ready recipe to kill because it is really dangerous to the lives of the prisoners."
The statement pointed out that the Israeli government, in the coming weeks, plans to approve the law proposed by the ministries of justice and internal security in cooperation with the Shin Bet and the prison administration.
It added that resorting to such law clearly shows the occupation's inability in dealing with prisoners on hunger strike, and the failure of policy of pressure and intimidation to force the hunger strikers to stop their strike.
"This has put the occupation government in a state of permanent confusion, unable to face this strong weapon used by prisoners and which has achieved positive results and pushed the Israeli authorities to meet some of the prisoners' demands", PCHR said.
It pointed out that the method of force-feeding caused the deaths of three Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails throughout the history of the captive movement.
He said that this law violates the international laws, and the occupation is working on passing such laws, while the international community is silence against its crimes.
The occupation previously approves laws that violate the international laws such the law of preventing lawyers from visiting the prisoners and Shalit's law.
Al-Khuffash pointed that the occupation feels worry by the increasing number of hunger striker detainees, who forced the occupation to pass such a law.
PCHR warns of Israeli intention to force-feed hunger striking captives
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) warned of occupation authorities' intention to apply a law that will allow the authorities force-feed prisoners on hunger strike, which forms a real danger on the lives of captives. The center said in a press statement on Thursday "The imposition of force-feeding on the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails is a ready recipe to kill because it is really dangerous to the lives of the prisoners."
The statement pointed out that the Israeli government, in the coming weeks, plans to approve the law proposed by the ministries of justice and internal security in cooperation with the Shin Bet and the prison administration.
It added that resorting to such law clearly shows the occupation's inability in dealing with prisoners on hunger strike, and the failure of policy of pressure and intimidation to force the hunger strikers to stop their strike.
"This has put the occupation government in a state of permanent confusion, unable to face this strong weapon used by prisoners and which has achieved positive results and pushed the Israeli authorities to meet some of the prisoners' demands", PCHR said.
It pointed out that the method of force-feeding caused the deaths of three Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails throughout the history of the captive movement.
11 july 2013
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Israeli soldiers detaining 5-year-old Wadi' Maswadeh in Hebron (Screen capture from B'Tselem video)
Despite being below the age of criminal responsibility, 5-year-old Wadi' Maswadeh was detained for two hours by Israeli soldiers July 9th near the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron after he allegedly threw a stone at a settler’s car. The Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem reported that when local residents tried to intervene, the Israeli soldiers put the crying child and another local resident into a military jeep and drove them to the boy’s home. When the boy’s father, Karam, came home, the Israeli soldiers informed him that they were arresting his son and handing him over to the Palestinian police, and they threatened the father with arrest if he did not comply. Karam and Wadi' were then detained for half an hour at the local Israeli military base, where the father was blindfolded and handcuffed. The father and son were then taken to the Policeman’s checkpoint, where they were detained for a further half hour. Eventually, Karam’s blindfold and handcuffs were removed, and he and Wadi' were transferred to the Palestinian police and eventually released. The age of criminal responsibiltiy in the West Bank and Israel is 12, and, according to B'Tselem, this means that “the security forces are not allowed to arrest or detain children under that age, even when they are suspected of having committed criminal offenses, and the authorities must deal with the law breaking in other ways” |
The director of B'Tselem, Jessica Montell, described the detainment of 5-year-old Wadi' Maswadeh and his father as “particularly troubling”, and noted that this procedure by which Israeli soldiers detain Palestinian minors suspected of throwing stones “does not, and cannot, have any legal grounds when the minor is below the age of criminal responsibility”.
Israel military detains 5-year-old Palestinian for 'stone throwing'
Israeli forces have detained a five-year-old Palestinian boy for allegedly throwing a stone at a settler's car near the southern West Bank city of al-Khalil (Hebron).
The boy was arrested Tuesday at a checkpoint near al-Khalil’s Ibrahimi Mosque, Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reported on Thursday.
The five-year-old was then taken into an Israeli military jeep and taken to his parents' house.
The soldiers then took the boy and his father to an army base before eventually transferring them to a Palestinian police station.
At the Israeli base, the father was handcuffed and blindfolded. He said he was interrogated, beaten and fined for his son’s rock throwing.
"The footage clearly shows that this was not a mistake made by an individual soldier, but rather conduct that was considered reasonable by all the military personnel involved,” B'Tselem Director Jessica Montell wrote in a letter to the military’s legal adviser in the West Bank.
“It is particularly troubling that none of them apparently thought any part of the incident was problematic: Not the fact that they scared a five-year-old boy out of his wits, nor threatening him and his parents to 'hand him over', nor threatening to arrest the father on no legal grounds, nor handcuffing and blindfolding the father in front of his son," she added.
Like in Israel, the arrest or detention of youths under the age of 12 is forbidden in the West Bank, even if they are suspected of perpetrating a crime.
Israeli talkbacks
Israel military detains 5-year-old Palestinian for 'stone throwing'
Israeli forces have detained a five-year-old Palestinian boy for allegedly throwing a stone at a settler's car near the southern West Bank city of al-Khalil (Hebron).
The boy was arrested Tuesday at a checkpoint near al-Khalil’s Ibrahimi Mosque, Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reported on Thursday.
The five-year-old was then taken into an Israeli military jeep and taken to his parents' house.
The soldiers then took the boy and his father to an army base before eventually transferring them to a Palestinian police station.
At the Israeli base, the father was handcuffed and blindfolded. He said he was interrogated, beaten and fined for his son’s rock throwing.
"The footage clearly shows that this was not a mistake made by an individual soldier, but rather conduct that was considered reasonable by all the military personnel involved,” B'Tselem Director Jessica Montell wrote in a letter to the military’s legal adviser in the West Bank.
“It is particularly troubling that none of them apparently thought any part of the incident was problematic: Not the fact that they scared a five-year-old boy out of his wits, nor threatening him and his parents to 'hand him over', nor threatening to arrest the father on no legal grounds, nor handcuffing and blindfolding the father in front of his son," she added.
Like in Israel, the arrest or detention of youths under the age of 12 is forbidden in the West Bank, even if they are suspected of perpetrating a crime.
Israeli talkbacks
On June 24 2013, I published that a Palestinian citizen Wael Hassan Abu Raide, 32, also called (X prisoner) from Khuza’a town, east of Khan Younis refugee camp was abducted by the Israeli Mossad from Egypt and transfered to Israeli prison.
Today – July 11 2013, local sources stated that Mr. Abu Raide was not abducted in Egypt but he was handed over to Israel by the Egyptian authoroties after he had applied for the Egyptian nationality at the Ministry of foreign affairs in Cairo.
An Egyptian from the Ministry of foreign affairs called abu Raide on June 21 for a meeting and he went to meet him but did not return. the Egyptian authoroties covered the issue as if it was nobody has disappeared on there territory.
According to the same source Abu Rida is a former activist at the Islamic Jihad. He was travelling to Egypt with his wife “Amani” and son who suffers of cancer and receives medical treatment there. The source said that Abu Reida was taken to an Israeli detention center following a phone call from an Egyptian.
Mr. Maneour Abu Raide, brother’s of Hassan stated on June 24 2013 that he received a call on his personal handy in which an israeli intelligence officer informed him that his brother had been abducted by Mossad and was being imprisoned in Israel.
Yesterday, July 10 2013, an Israeli judge allowed publication of some details news about Wael Abu Riada’s arrest but he extended the gag order of other details by 10 days. According to the Judge, Abu Raide was detained on suspicion of “offenses of national security” ?? A magistrate’s court in the occupied Beer al-Sabaa what so called “Beersheba” on Wednesday extended Abu Rida’s remand by eight days.
The questions are: Is there an agreement between Israel and Egypt which compels the Egyptian authorities to hand detainees over to Israel? Was the abduction of Hassan organized between the Egyptian and the Israeli intelligence services?
If the Egyptian authorities were not involved, how did the Mossad elements abduct Hassan while he was in Egypt territory? Who allows the Mossad free access to the Republic of Egypt? Why The Egyptian authorities cover the news of Raide abduction?
Egyptian sources stated that elements of the israeli intelligence organization “Shabak” are working unimpeded at the International Airport of Cairo. They stop and question the passengers without intervention of the Egyptian airport security.
Following the abduction of Abu Raide several rockets were fired Sunday night from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israel.
Today – July 11 2013, local sources stated that Mr. Abu Raide was not abducted in Egypt but he was handed over to Israel by the Egyptian authoroties after he had applied for the Egyptian nationality at the Ministry of foreign affairs in Cairo.
An Egyptian from the Ministry of foreign affairs called abu Raide on June 21 for a meeting and he went to meet him but did not return. the Egyptian authoroties covered the issue as if it was nobody has disappeared on there territory.
According to the same source Abu Rida is a former activist at the Islamic Jihad. He was travelling to Egypt with his wife “Amani” and son who suffers of cancer and receives medical treatment there. The source said that Abu Reida was taken to an Israeli detention center following a phone call from an Egyptian.
Mr. Maneour Abu Raide, brother’s of Hassan stated on June 24 2013 that he received a call on his personal handy in which an israeli intelligence officer informed him that his brother had been abducted by Mossad and was being imprisoned in Israel.
Yesterday, July 10 2013, an Israeli judge allowed publication of some details news about Wael Abu Riada’s arrest but he extended the gag order of other details by 10 days. According to the Judge, Abu Raide was detained on suspicion of “offenses of national security” ?? A magistrate’s court in the occupied Beer al-Sabaa what so called “Beersheba” on Wednesday extended Abu Rida’s remand by eight days.
The questions are: Is there an agreement between Israel and Egypt which compels the Egyptian authorities to hand detainees over to Israel? Was the abduction of Hassan organized between the Egyptian and the Israeli intelligence services?
If the Egyptian authorities were not involved, how did the Mossad elements abduct Hassan while he was in Egypt territory? Who allows the Mossad free access to the Republic of Egypt? Why The Egyptian authorities cover the news of Raide abduction?
Egyptian sources stated that elements of the israeli intelligence organization “Shabak” are working unimpeded at the International Airport of Cairo. They stop and question the passengers without intervention of the Egyptian airport security.
Following the abduction of Abu Raide several rockets were fired Sunday night from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israel.
An Israeli court on Thursday sentenced Jerusalemite MP Mohammed Totah and former minister Khaled Abu Arafa to 30 months imprisonment. Totah and Abu Arafa were arrested in the 23rd of January last year during their sit-in at the Red Cross compound. The two had already served 18 months in prison.
Jerusalemite sources told the PIC that the occupation sentenced Totah and Abu Arafah to 30 months imprisonment.
They added that the occupation decided to deport the MP and the former minister to the West Bank, like the two MPs Ahmed Attoun and Mohammed Abu Teir. According to the court decision, if any of the two enters Jerusalem after his release he will be held for six months in the Israeli jails.
For its part, Ahrar Center for prisoners' studies and human rights condemned the unjust sentence issued against the Jerusalemite MP Mohammed Totah and the former minister Khaled Abu Arafa.
Fouad Khuffash, the Center's director, said that such unjust sentence aims to tire the MPs through the repeated and ongoing arrests against them.
Bahar denounces the unjust sentences against Palestinian MPs and leaders
Dr. Ahmed Bahar, First Deputy head of the Legislative Council, condemned the Israeli District Court's resolution on Thursday sentencing to actual prison MP Mohammad Totah and former Jerusalem minister Khaled Abu Arafa. Bahar stressed in a press statement on Thursday the rejection of the Palestinian people and the Legislative Council of the Israeli unjust judicial decisions issued against the Palestinian MPs and leaders, by the occupation's illegal courts on basis of trumped-up charges.
He stressed that the Israeli government, since the legislative elections in 2006, has been working on distancing the Palestinian MPs and leaders from their electoral environment, by putting them in prison.
Jerusalemite sources told the PIC that the occupation sentenced Totah and Abu Arafah to 30 months imprisonment.
They added that the occupation decided to deport the MP and the former minister to the West Bank, like the two MPs Ahmed Attoun and Mohammed Abu Teir. According to the court decision, if any of the two enters Jerusalem after his release he will be held for six months in the Israeli jails.
For its part, Ahrar Center for prisoners' studies and human rights condemned the unjust sentence issued against the Jerusalemite MP Mohammed Totah and the former minister Khaled Abu Arafa.
Fouad Khuffash, the Center's director, said that such unjust sentence aims to tire the MPs through the repeated and ongoing arrests against them.
Bahar denounces the unjust sentences against Palestinian MPs and leaders
Dr. Ahmed Bahar, First Deputy head of the Legislative Council, condemned the Israeli District Court's resolution on Thursday sentencing to actual prison MP Mohammad Totah and former Jerusalem minister Khaled Abu Arafa. Bahar stressed in a press statement on Thursday the rejection of the Palestinian people and the Legislative Council of the Israeli unjust judicial decisions issued against the Palestinian MPs and leaders, by the occupation's illegal courts on basis of trumped-up charges.
He stressed that the Israeli government, since the legislative elections in 2006, has been working on distancing the Palestinian MPs and leaders from their electoral environment, by putting them in prison.
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested on Wednesday a Palestinian citizen from the town of Yatta, while a group of armed settlers stopped vehicles of citizens and threatened to kill them. Eyewitnesses told the PIC that the IOF raided houses of citizens in the town, and arrested citizen Mohammed Bahis then took him to an unknown destination.
Meanwhile; a number of Palestinian vehicles were forcibly stopped by armed settlers who threatened to kill the citizens. More than five vehicles belonging to settlers were seen in the main street that lead to the area of al-Fahs leading to al-Khalil.
The Israeli soldiers also arrested a young man from the village of Harmala east of Bethlehem at the Karama crossing, while on his way to Jordan, locals reported.
The occupation has arrested many citizens at different crossings connecting between Jordan and the Israeli state, under flimsy security reasons.
Meanwhile; a number of Palestinian vehicles were forcibly stopped by armed settlers who threatened to kill the citizens. More than five vehicles belonging to settlers were seen in the main street that lead to the area of al-Fahs leading to al-Khalil.
The Israeli soldiers also arrested a young man from the village of Harmala east of Bethlehem at the Karama crossing, while on his way to Jordan, locals reported.
The occupation has arrested many citizens at different crossings connecting between Jordan and the Israeli state, under flimsy security reasons.
Salem Military Court on Tuesday passed an imprisonment sentence against a captive holding the Jordanian nationality, Tadamun Foundation for Human Rights said. The Jordanian prisoner Mohammad Nael Mohammad Tahir was sentenced for 26 months and a fine of 3000 shekels on charges of providing services to Hamas movement, the Foundation added.
Tahir, 26, was arrested at Al-Karama border crossing between Jordan and occupied West Bank while on his way to visit relatives in Nablus.
In a related context, Salem Military Court has postponed the trial of six Palestinian prisoners for further investigation.
Tahir, 26, was arrested at Al-Karama border crossing between Jordan and occupied West Bank while on his way to visit relatives in Nablus.
In a related context, Salem Military Court has postponed the trial of six Palestinian prisoners for further investigation.
The Palestinian prisoner society said that the health status of Jordanian hunger striker Abdullah Barghouthi has reached a life-threatening stage. The prisoner society stated on Wednesday that the Israeli doctors stopped to provide Barghouthi with water after he suffered severe inflammations and his kidneys, liver and other vital organs of his body failed to function properly.
The society said that the Israeli jailers insist on keeping Barghouthi shackled to the hospital bed despite his critical health condition.
Barghouthi, in turn, said in a letter published by the prisoner society that his hunger strike would end only on or under the Jordanian soil, stressing that he does not want to cause any political problems to his country.
The society said that the Israeli jailers insist on keeping Barghouthi shackled to the hospital bed despite his critical health condition.
Barghouthi, in turn, said in a letter published by the prisoner society that his hunger strike would end only on or under the Jordanian soil, stressing that he does not want to cause any political problems to his country.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) imposed fines on Adel Ulayan, a resident of the Jordan Valley, and was still holding him in custody. Aref Daraghma, the chairman of the Malih and Bedouin villages in the northern Jordan Valley, said on Thursday that Ulayan was fined 3000 shekels other than the 15000 shekels imposed on him earlier this year after his cows were confiscated by the IOA for trespassing.
He said that the IOA also imposed 6236 shekels on each of the three trucks confiscated a month ago for carrying road maintenance material in Khirbat Ebzeik considered by the IOA as a military training area.
Daraghme called on international and human rights organizations to stand alongside the Valley inhabitants in face of IOA policies that aim at seizing people’s property in an attempt to force them to abandon their land.
He said that the IOA also imposed 6236 shekels on each of the three trucks confiscated a month ago for carrying road maintenance material in Khirbat Ebzeik considered by the IOA as a military training area.
Daraghme called on international and human rights organizations to stand alongside the Valley inhabitants in face of IOA policies that aim at seizing people’s property in an attempt to force them to abandon their land.
Israeli authorities released on Wednesday the former chairman of Qebia village council in West Bank, Dr. Abdul-Hafith Gaithan, 56 years old after spending eight months in the administrative detention, Ahrar Center for Prisoners Studies and Human Rights reported.
Director of Ahrar Center, fuad alkhuffash said that Gaithan was arrested previously seven years in the administrative detention and he arrested on 22/11/2012 during a campaign of arrests against Palestinians in West Bank, came after the defeat of the Israeli army in Gaza, and began arrests academics, leaders of national movements and religious movements. "
Gaithan is a teacher in shaqba town and he is the former Qbeia's chairman. He is a father of nine children. He had the doctorate from an American University.
Director of Ahrar Center, fuad alkhuffash said that Gaithan was arrested previously seven years in the administrative detention and he arrested on 22/11/2012 during a campaign of arrests against Palestinians in West Bank, came after the defeat of the Israeli army in Gaza, and began arrests academics, leaders of national movements and religious movements. "
Gaithan is a teacher in shaqba town and he is the former Qbeia's chairman. He is a father of nine children. He had the doctorate from an American University.
Hebrew media revealed that the Israeli Ministry of Justice is currently working on passing a bill that will allow the authorities force-feed prisoners on hunger strike “legally”. The Hebrew Haaretz newspaper said in its Thursday edition: "This proposal comes in the wake of the increasing number of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike."
According to the new resolution; going to court will follow getting a medical report stating that in case the detainee continue his hunger strike, his life will be in danger, while allowing him to be represented by a lawyer and explain his position before the court.
The paper pointed out that these new ideas will soon be presented to the Attorney General for discussion.
It added that last year many prisoners have launched hunger strike for long periods, which made government ministries to go to the Attorney General and hold a series of meetings with security agencies to discuss the situation.
Haaretz explained that these discussions ended with a resolution allowing the prison officials to force the hunger striker to eat if his life becomes in danger.
Israeli Government Considers Force-Feeding Hunger-Striking Prisoners
The Israeli government is currently examining the legality of a proposed bill that would enable Israeli prison authorities to force-feed hunger-striking prisoners, Israeli media outlets reported.
Israel's Channel 2 News reported on Wednesday that the bill, set forth by the Israeli Justice Ministry, the Ministry of Internal Defense, the Shin Bet, the Prisons Authority, the IOF, and members of the Israeli National Security Council, is at its early stages of review and that the final outcome of which is expected in the upcoming weeks.
Israel has been forced to early release some of the Palestinian prisoners after it faced mounting challenges from hunger strikes as in the cases of some prisoners including Samer al-Issawi and Ayman al-Sharawneh. Their releases were approved despite the objections of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security organization, who recommended not to give in to their demands.
In May two Islamic Jihad prisoners had their administrative detentions reduced after they went on a hunger strike more than 90 days.
In April, Palestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi agreed to a deal with Israeli military prosecutors that ended his eight-month-long hunger strike in exchange for an early release from prison.
Ayman Sharawneh, 36, was released from Israeli prison in March, bringing to an end a seven-month hunger strike. Sharawneh was considered a symbol of resistance for the Palestinians.
In a most famous case, a member of Palestinian national soccer team was detained by Israel for nearly three years before he was released last year after a lengthy hunger strike. Israel had accused Mahmoud Sarsak of being active in the violent group Islamic Jihad, a claim he denied.
It's worth mentioning that hunger strikes attracted significant attention of the international community and media and prompted demonstrations throughout Palestine and the world, as well as solidarity hunger strikes among other Palestinian inmates.
According to the Times of Israel, the Israeli Justice Ministry issued a statement reading: "Faced with the growing phenomenon of hunger strikes, we are examining a legislative solution that will protect the prisoner's health and at the same time prevent the damage caused by the strikes."
According to the new resolution; going to court will follow getting a medical report stating that in case the detainee continue his hunger strike, his life will be in danger, while allowing him to be represented by a lawyer and explain his position before the court.
The paper pointed out that these new ideas will soon be presented to the Attorney General for discussion.
It added that last year many prisoners have launched hunger strike for long periods, which made government ministries to go to the Attorney General and hold a series of meetings with security agencies to discuss the situation.
Haaretz explained that these discussions ended with a resolution allowing the prison officials to force the hunger striker to eat if his life becomes in danger.
Israeli Government Considers Force-Feeding Hunger-Striking Prisoners
The Israeli government is currently examining the legality of a proposed bill that would enable Israeli prison authorities to force-feed hunger-striking prisoners, Israeli media outlets reported.
Israel's Channel 2 News reported on Wednesday that the bill, set forth by the Israeli Justice Ministry, the Ministry of Internal Defense, the Shin Bet, the Prisons Authority, the IOF, and members of the Israeli National Security Council, is at its early stages of review and that the final outcome of which is expected in the upcoming weeks.
Israel has been forced to early release some of the Palestinian prisoners after it faced mounting challenges from hunger strikes as in the cases of some prisoners including Samer al-Issawi and Ayman al-Sharawneh. Their releases were approved despite the objections of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security organization, who recommended not to give in to their demands.
In May two Islamic Jihad prisoners had their administrative detentions reduced after they went on a hunger strike more than 90 days.
In April, Palestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi agreed to a deal with Israeli military prosecutors that ended his eight-month-long hunger strike in exchange for an early release from prison.
Ayman Sharawneh, 36, was released from Israeli prison in March, bringing to an end a seven-month hunger strike. Sharawneh was considered a symbol of resistance for the Palestinians.
In a most famous case, a member of Palestinian national soccer team was detained by Israel for nearly three years before he was released last year after a lengthy hunger strike. Israel had accused Mahmoud Sarsak of being active in the violent group Islamic Jihad, a claim he denied.
It's worth mentioning that hunger strikes attracted significant attention of the international community and media and prompted demonstrations throughout Palestine and the world, as well as solidarity hunger strikes among other Palestinian inmates.
According to the Times of Israel, the Israeli Justice Ministry issued a statement reading: "Faced with the growing phenomenon of hunger strikes, we are examining a legislative solution that will protect the prisoner's health and at the same time prevent the damage caused by the strikes."
Israeli daily, Maariv, has reported that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, allegedly presented an "offer" to release around 104 Palestinian detainees before the resumption of peace talks, and without a Palestinian commitment to resume direct talks with Tel Aviv.
The paper said that approximately 40 of those detainees are what Israel labels as “prisoners with blood on their hands”, referring to detainees accused to killing Israelis, or believed to be behind attacks that led to casualties.
Maariv said that the new stance of Netanyahu is considered a fundamental change, as he always refused “to pay the price of convincing the Palestinian side to return to the negotiations table”, according to the paper.
Sources in Washington have reported that U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, and Netanyahu are waiting a response from Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
The Israeli “offer” states that Israel would release the 104 detainees on stages in the future, after the resumption of peace talks.
According to Maariv, the detainees could be released soon, during the Holy Muslim month of Ramadan that started a day ago.
The Palestinian leadership in the West Bank quit direct peace talks with Tel Aviv due to Israel’s ongoing violations, invasions and its ongoing illegal settlement construction and expansion activities in the occupied West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
Israel is also failing to accept holding talks on vital final status issues, such as Jerusalem, the Right of Return of the Palestinian Refugees, borders and natural resources.
The paper said that approximately 40 of those detainees are what Israel labels as “prisoners with blood on their hands”, referring to detainees accused to killing Israelis, or believed to be behind attacks that led to casualties.
Maariv said that the new stance of Netanyahu is considered a fundamental change, as he always refused “to pay the price of convincing the Palestinian side to return to the negotiations table”, according to the paper.
Sources in Washington have reported that U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, and Netanyahu are waiting a response from Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
The Israeli “offer” states that Israel would release the 104 detainees on stages in the future, after the resumption of peace talks.
According to Maariv, the detainees could be released soon, during the Holy Muslim month of Ramadan that started a day ago.
The Palestinian leadership in the West Bank quit direct peace talks with Tel Aviv due to Israel’s ongoing violations, invasions and its ongoing illegal settlement construction and expansion activities in the occupied West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
Israel is also failing to accept holding talks on vital final status issues, such as Jerusalem, the Right of Return of the Palestinian Refugees, borders and natural resources.
Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, stated that President Mahmoud Abbas insists on the release of all 104 detainees who have been held by Israeli since before the first Oslo Agreement in 1993, without any discrimination, or conditions.
Qaraqe’ said that Abbas affirmed, during a meeting between the two, that all old detainees, and all ailing detainees, must be released, and that this stance in nonnegotiable, and was presented to U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, during his visit to the region.
He added that Israel previously offered the release of a number of detainees in return for resuming direct peace talks, and added that the release should be comprehensive, and not under Israeli preconditions.
Qaraqe’ stated that Abbas told Kerry that the detainees’ cause in an essential issue, and that the release of detainees who spent many years in Israeli prisons, and the ailing detainees, is a fundamental issue that cannot be compromised.
His statements came in response to Israeli reports about an Israeli initiative to release a number of detainees (approximately 104 detainees) in return for resuming direct peace talks.
“The release of all detainees is a legitimate Palestinian right”, Qaraqe’ said, “It’s not an issue that Israel should control and use as a bargaining chip”.
The Minister saluted all detainees and their families, congratulated the Muslims marking the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, and stated that human life, and the liberty of human beings, are sacred values, adding that the suffering of the detainees is the suffering of steadfastness, and determination.
Qaraqe’ said that Abbas affirmed, during a meeting between the two, that all old detainees, and all ailing detainees, must be released, and that this stance in nonnegotiable, and was presented to U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, during his visit to the region.
He added that Israel previously offered the release of a number of detainees in return for resuming direct peace talks, and added that the release should be comprehensive, and not under Israeli preconditions.
Qaraqe’ stated that Abbas told Kerry that the detainees’ cause in an essential issue, and that the release of detainees who spent many years in Israeli prisons, and the ailing detainees, is a fundamental issue that cannot be compromised.
His statements came in response to Israeli reports about an Israeli initiative to release a number of detainees (approximately 104 detainees) in return for resuming direct peace talks.
“The release of all detainees is a legitimate Palestinian right”, Qaraqe’ said, “It’s not an issue that Israel should control and use as a bargaining chip”.
The Minister saluted all detainees and their families, congratulated the Muslims marking the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, and stated that human life, and the liberty of human beings, are sacred values, adding that the suffering of the detainees is the suffering of steadfastness, and determination.
