RAMALLAH, Sunday, October 23, 2022 (WAFA) – The Israeli District Court in Lydda rejected today an appeal for the early release of Palestinian prisoner Nasser Abu Hmeid, a patient of cancer, despite critical deterioration in his health condition, according to the Prisoners Affairs Commission.

The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society (PPS) said the court session was held in his absence due to his critical health condition, and that he was even unable to attend the session remotely.

The appeal was made today despite several rejections by the Israeli authorities to free Abu Hmeid, who is believed to be close to death as a result of advanced levels of cancer resulting from Israeli medical negligence.

Yesterday, PPS said its lawyer had submitted a request for the release of Abu Hmeid, from Amari refugee camp in Ramallah, bearing in mind that the legal option comes after exhausting all attempts for his release and despite knowing of Israel’s intransigent position and refusal to release him.

The Prisoner’s Society said a few days ago that recent medical reports indicate the continuous and rapid deterioration of Abu Hmeid’s health condition after the doctors decided to stop his chemotherapy.

It said that he had recently contracted pneumonia, which prompted his transfer to the hospital, but he was later brought back to Ramla prison.

It is noteworthy to mention that doctors last September issued a medical report recommending his release expecting his death at any time but that a court held to look into a request by the doctors for his release has rejected it.

M.N