Israel extends detention of Palestinian novelist over alleged incitement

The Israeli military court at Ofer prison has extended the detention of Palestinian writer Walid al-Houdli, 66, until next Tuesday, citing what it calls “incitement” on social media.

Al-Houdli was arrested on 21 January after Israeli forces raided his home in Ramallah. During the raid, his family’s property was vandalised and they were subjected to mistreatment, despite his serious health issues that require ongoing medical care.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Authority and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club said that the decision to extend al-Houdli’s detention reflects a clear escalation in the repressive policies of the Israeli occupation against Palestinians. They described it as a direct attack on free expression and cultural awareness.

The statement added that Israeli authorities are turning digital spaces into tools of surveillance and repression, using vague charges to criminalise opinions and target political and intellectual positions, in blatant violation of international laws protecting freedom of expression.

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