Palestinians take to the streets in support of prisoners

Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem yesterday in support of prisoners who are enduring Israel’s reprisals after six detainees escaped from a high security facility.

Following the escape of six Palestinian prisoners from Israel’s high-security Gilboa Prison in the north of the country, occupation forces have been cracking down on prisoners inside all prison including moving them from their cells and stopping family visits.

In Gaza, Palestinians raised placards reading: “All of us support the prisoners.. We will protect the prisoners.. We will liberate the freedom fighters.”

Speaking to a gathering, senior Hamas leader Iyad Abu Fannouneh, who is a former prisoner who was exiled to Gaza, said: “Our people and our resistance will not leave the prisoners alone facing the oppression and arrogance of their jailers.”

Meanwhile, the senior Islamic Jihad leader Daud Shehab said: “The Palestinian people are united behind the prisoners. Their issue enjoys a national consensus.”

In the West Bank cities of Ramallah and Nablus, hundreds of Palestinians took part in gatherings in support of the prisoners. They raised placards reading: “We will protect the prisoners with our souls.. Prisoners are our heroes.. Prisoners are not criminals, they are freedom fighters.”

The prisoners responded to the Israeli crackdown campaign by burning several tents and cells.

READ: Hamas warns of Israeli reprisals against Palestinian prisoners