Palestinians stand in support of hunger strikers demanding their release. WAFA photo by Mashhour Wahwah.

JERUSALEM, December 10, 2016 (WAFA) - The European Union (EU) Representative, the EU Heads of Mission and the Heads of Mission of Switzerland and Norway in Jerusalem and Ramallah Friday expressed concern regarding Israel’s excessive use of administrative detention against Palestinians.

“The Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah reiterate their longstanding concern about the extensive use by Israel of administrative detention without formal charge,” they said in a statement.

The missions singled out the administrative detention of Mohammed Abu Sakha, a trainer at the Palestinian Circus School, who has been in administrative detention for one year with a possibility that his detention will be extended.

The Heads of Mission also expressed concern about the deteriorating health condition of Anas Shadid, 19, and Ahmad Abu Fara, 29, on hunger strike since over two months against their administrative detention order.

There are now over 700 Palestinians, including at least 3 minors, being held in administrative detention, a number which has more than doubled within the last 18 months.

“The EU, Switzerland and Norway call for the full respect of international human rights obligations towards all prisoners. Detainees have the right to be informed about the charges underlying any detention, must be granted access to legal assistance, and be subject to a fair trial,” said the statement.

M.K.