RAMALLAH, April 16, 2017 (WAFA) – Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hanan Ashrawi said, on the occasion of the Palestinian Prisoner’s Day, that the entire global community should be alarmed by Israel‘s willful breach and devaluation of the rights and lives of Palestinian political prisoners.

Ashrawi, commenting on the upcoming hunger-strike by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, said, “On behalf of the PLO Executive Committee and Palestinian people everywhere, we fully support all the prisoners who will bravely go on hunger strike to expose the cruel policies of the Israeli Prison Service.” She added: Their nonviolent actions should be acknowledged and embraced by all members of the international community.”

Ashrawi affirmed the Palestinian leadership‘s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safe and unconditional release of all 6,500 Palestinian political prisoners, including 57 women, 300 children, 13 members of the Palestine Legislative Council, 500 administrative detainees, 800 prisoners who require medical care (85 of whom suffer from serious and chronic conditions), and 18 journalists. 

“This grave matter remains a top priority for us, and even though Israel continues to violate international law and conventions, terms of reference and signed agreements that guarantee the release of Palestinian prisoners, we will continue to pursue diplomatic and multilateral means to seek freedom and justice for all Palestinian prisoners, their families and loved ones,” she confirmed.

Ashrawi called on all members of the international community to “bring Israel to end its inhumane treatment of Palestinian prisoners.”

“In particular, we urge the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention, the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to act in accordance with human rights and justice and to ensure that Israel adheres to international law and conventions with respect to Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.”

M.N