Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, August 01, 2003
1,100 Palestinian Prisoners Begin Hunger Strike
About 1,100 Palestinian security prisoners in four different prisons began a hunger strike Friday morning to demand the mass release and to protest prison conditions, Israel Radio reported.
About 1,100 Palestinian security prisoners in four different prisons began a hunger strike Friday morning to demand the mass release and to protest prison conditions, Israel Radio reported.
The hunger strike came less than 24 hours after a riot erupted between Palestinian prisoners and guards at the Shikma Jail in the Israeli southern coastal city of Ashkelon. At least 18 prisoners and two guards were injured in the Thursday riot.
Reports here said the continuing moves would raise the issue of releasing prisoners to the top of agenda of security talks between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority.
Palestinian Prisoners' Affairs Minister Hisham Abd Al-Raziq said Wednesday that Palestinian prisoners could stage rebellions in Israeli jails if Israel does not release them as part of the peace moves.
Al-Raziq also said ordinary Palestinians could revolt if Israel does not free thousands of prisoners, a gesture which Palestinians consider vital to pushing ahead with the roadmap.
"An explosion inside Israeli jails will be imminent if Israel adheres to its unilateral decision on releasing prisoners based on unfair and racist criteria and if Israel does not respond to Palestinian demands on prisoners," he said.