An Israeli court ordered on Tuesday that Palestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi should remain in jail, as tens of protesters clashed with occupation forces in Ramallah.
An Israeli court ordered on Tuesday that Palestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi should remain in jail, as tens of protesters clashed with occupation forces in Ramallah.
As Issawi’s lawyer requested Issawi’s release at a magistrate's court in Jerusalem, Israeli military prosecutor opposed the request.
The Palestinian prisoner, who has been on hunger strike since August, had entered the court in a wheelchair surrounded by armed guards.
Asked by the judge about his condition, Issawi "replied in a weak voice that he suffers pains and is facing death," the lawyer Jawad Bulous told Ma'an news agency.
Shortly after the judge announced Issawi would remain in prison until the next hearing in one month, his mother had a break down.
Hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails declared a one-day fast on Tuesday in solidarity with Issawi and three other prisoners on hunger strike.
The Palestinian Prisoner Club, which looks after the welfare of inmates and their families, said 800 prisoners were taking part in the day-long fast.
The issue of Palestinian prisoners who had been held in Israel jails without trial has touched off clashes between occupation forces and protesters who have been asking for granting the prisoners their minimum rights.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Israeli occupation forces clashed with protestors outside Ofer detention center near Ramallah.
The rally in solidarity with hunger-strikers marched towards the Israeli prison from Birzeit, Beitunia and Ramallah.
Occupation forces fired tear gas at protesters and youths responded by throwing stones at military forces.
At least 18 people were slightly injured, Ma’an quoted witnesses as saying. Journalists at the scene said occupation forces deliberately targeted them with smoke bombs and sound grenades.
For its part, an occupation army spokeswoman said approximately 150 Palestinians “rioted”, claiming they hurled rocks and firebombs at Zionist forces, “who responded with riot dispersal means."
