Israel transfers hunger striker to hospital

The Israeli prison authorities have transferred a Palestinian hunger striker to a secure hospital thirteen days into his protest. A statement from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said that the organisation’s Secretary General, Ahmed Saadat, was taken to the hospital wing at Ramle Prison when his health deteriorated.

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The PFLP added that Mr Saadat has been in prison for more than three years and started his hunger strike on April 17 in protest at the Israeli Prison Services use of solitary confinement against Palestinian prisoners. More than 20 prisoners are currently being held under such conditions.

Prisoners affiliated to the PFLP rejected a request from the Israeli authorities to end their hunger strike in return for an end to Saadat’s solitary confinement. The prisoners stressed that they intend to hold on to all of their demands for an improvement in their miserable conditions behind bars.

A press conference was held on Sunday night to brief journalists on Saadat’s health. Held at the Watan Centre in Ramallah, speakers included the Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Prisoners’ Affairs, Eissa Qaraqei; Palestinian Legislative Council member and member of the PFLP’s political bureau, Khalida Jarrar; and Ahmed Saadat’s wife, Mrs Abla Saadat.