Kathrada Foundation backs hunger strike

THE AHMED Kathrada Foundation has thrown its weight behind the more than 1 000 Palestinian political prisoners who have gone on a hunger strike.

The foundation said yesterday that Palestinians from across political lines had begun an indefinite hunger strike in Israeli jails to mark Palestinian Prisoners’ Day.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said the hunger strike had been spearheaded by jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouthi, known as the “Palestinian Mandela”, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

Barghouthi marked his 15th consecutive year in jail on April 15 after being sentenced to five life terms for murder and attempted murder by Israel.

Ahmed Kathrada Foundation executive director Neeshan Balton said: “A hunger strike is not only the most peaceful form of resistance, but is also the last resort by a prisoner to demand basic human rights.

“The Palestinian prisoners are calling for an end to solitary confinement and administrative detention; fortnightly family visits without cancellation or interference; appropriate medical care, including an end to medical neglect of prisoners; releasing prisoners with disabilities or terminal illness; requests around access to education; and humane transportation of prisoners.”

According to the foundation, some 6 500 Palestinians are currently behind bars. Balton said the mass support for the hunger strike among prisoners was a show of unity.