Palestinians observe general strike as Trump arrives

On the same day US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel, many Palestinians observed a general strike in support of hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli prisons.

Many shops, restaurants, government institutions and schools were closed in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza. A number of Arab-Israelis also participated in the strike.

“The primary goal is to show that all Palestinians in historic Palestine are standing together behind the hunger-striking prisoners,” said Isam Bakr, a member of a committee that organized the strike.

Hundreds of hunger-striking prisoners are demanding that the Prisons Service end solitary confinement and administrative detention, increase visitation rights and improve amenities. The hunger strikers have been refusing meals for 36 days.

Bakr said the timing of the strike is no coincidence.

“We timed this strike to take place upon the arrival of Trump,” he said. “We want to send a message to the American president that he has to pressure Israel to end its settlement construction and occupation.”

The West Bank also witnessed clashes on Monday at a number friction points between the IDF and Palestinians including the Kalandia checkpoint, the eastern side of Kalkilya, and Nabi Salih.

Some protests are expected to take place around the Palestinian territories on Tuesday when Trump will visit Bethlehem to meet with PA President Mahmoud Abbas.