East Jerusalem strike in solidarity with administrative detainees

As prisoners held under Israel’s “administrative detention” pass the 50th day of their hunger strike, Palestinian leaders and activists called for a strike in solidarity today, Thursday. The commercial strike was intended to be observed by all of the Palestinian markets in East Jerusalem and it appears that the response was almost complete.

Shops closed their doors on the main streets of the city as well as within the Old City walls. The streets were largely deserted as a result.

Around 120 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel are on hunger strike in protest at administrative detention, which sees them being held without charge or trial. They can be held for up to six months and the detention can be renewed indefinitely. Other prisoners have joined the strike in solidarity. The total number of prisoners on hunger strike is now estimated at 1,500.

Altogether there are 5,271 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, 191 of whom are held under administrative detention. The figures were released by the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, a non-governmental body which deals with prisoners’ affairs.