Hunger striker refuses Israeli offer of deportation to Gaza

A Palestinian prisoner who has been on hunger strike for 230 days has refused an offer from the Israeli authorities to deport him immediately to the Gaza Strip. Speaking through his family, Samer Al-Issawi said that his deportation would add to the number of Palestinians ethnically cleansed from their land and holy city of Jerusalem which is suffering from Israel’s Judaisation policy.

An Israeli court sat in an extraordinary session a few days ago to listen to Al-Issawi’s appeal for bail; the prisoner attended in a wheelchair due to his deteriorating health condition. His weight has fallen to 45 kg. The court rejected the bail application.

Mr. Al-Issawi was transferred from Ramle Prison clinic to Kaplan Hospital after his heart rate fell below a safe level, accompanied by other serious symptoms brought on by his protest. His heart is being monitored around the clock in the hospital.

Several Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have now been on hunger strike for lengthy periods in protest at their conditions. Many prisoners are being held under “administrative detention” without charge or trial.