KHAN YOUNIS, August 6, 2012 (WAFA) -The mother of Palestinian prisoner from Gaza, Yehya Islih, died Monday while travelling on a bus on her way with a group from Gaza to visit their detained sons in Israeli jail, according to prison advocacy groups.

The mother, Aisha Islih, from Khan Younis, died before seeing her son since he was arrested five years ago and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Israel banned Gaza prisoners from family visitations since 2007 as a punishment after Hamas fighters captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Visitation was allowed only following an agreement was reached on May 14 between the Israel Prisons Service and 2000 hunger striking prisoners.

T.R./M.S.