11 Palestinians observe hunger strike in Israeli jails

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - At least 11 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started a hunger strike in protest against their “administrative detention” without an accusation, a non-governmental organization announced on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) said two Palestinians -- Jaafar Ezz al-Din and Ihsan Osman -- started their hunger strike in jail 18 days ago. Another six Palestinians began their hunger strike 11 days ago, while the remaining three detained Palestinians started their hunger strike on July 1.

The Israeli authorities have isolated the hunger strikers in solitary confinement and prevented their lawyers from visiting them," Amani Sarahneh from the PPS told Anadolu Agency.

She pointed out that there is no information on the health status of detainees and warned that the number of inmates observing hunger strike may rise against the Israel’s policy of increasing administrative detention.

Under Israel's longstanding policy of administrative detention, suspects can be held without trial or charge for renewable six-month periods.

Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinians protested in the Gaza strip in solidarity with inmates observing hunger strikes.

The protest was held in front of the building of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza.