User:TriadicRelation98/2017 Palestinian hunger strikes

2017 Palestinian hunger strikes
Part of Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Solidarity demonstration in Portugal calling to "Free All Palestinian Political Prisoners," 15 May 2017
Date17 April – 27 May 2017
Location
Worldwide, mainly in Israeli prisons and the Palestinian territories
Caused byHuman rights inside Israeli prisons
GoalsMore frequent family visits, better medical conditions, etc.
MethodsHunger strike
StatusEnded
Parties
Lead figures
Number
1,600 prisoners and thousands of demonstrators outside of the prisons

The 2017 Palestinian hunger strike, referred to by activists as the Freedom and Dignity hunger strike, was the largest prisoner hunger strike in Palestinian history.[1]

Background edit

Prisoner hunger strikes in Israel and the Palestinian territories date back to 1968, when prisoners in Ramle prison fasted for 18 days to receive better quality food. The Ramle prison strikers were met with strict penalties including solitary confinement and torture.[2] Mass hunger strikes among prisoners were held as recent as 2014, when over 290 prisoners fasted for over 63 days, making it the longest hunger strike in Palestinian history.[3]

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Center for Studies (PPCS), the primarily goal of the hunger strikes were to raise awareness of the "difficult humanitarian conditions inside Israeli prisons." Amina al-Taweel, spokesperson for the PPCS, asserts that conditions for Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli jails have worsened in the last few years.[4] In August 2016, a Palestinian named Naim Shawamreh died from muscular dystrophy three months after being released from an Israeli prison. He had developed the condition while in prison, and Jerusalem-based prisoner rights group Addameer claimed this was due to medical negligence by the prison staff. The PPCS echoed this statement and reported that around 280 Palestinian prisoners had died in prison, or shortly after their release, at that time.[5]

Demands edit

 
Cartoon by Carlos Latuff portraying a Palestinian hand breaking through the walls of an Israeli prison.

Palestinian hunger strikers did not demand to be released from prison, but rather for certain concessions regarding prisoners' rights.[6] Marwan Barghouti, the leader of the hunger strike published a list of 27 demands that included the installation of a public telephone for prisoners,[7] more frequent family visits,[8] longer visiting hours,[9] allowing prisoners to take photographs with families,[10] and better medical conditions.[6]

Events edit

On May 7, Greek Orthodox archbishop of Sebastia, Atallah Hanna expressed support for the strikes.[11][12]

Controversies edit

Barghouti op-ed in The New York Times edit

On April 16, a day before the hunger strikes began, the The New York Times published an op-ed written by Marwan Barghouti titled "Why We Are on Hunger Strike in Israel's Prisons," in which he documented the treatment of prisoners in Israeli prisons and explained the motivations behind the strike.[13] The New York Times' decision to publish the piece was met with criticism by several Israeli politicians including the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed that the publication was giving a voice to "murderers" and "terrorists."[14] Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon and Deputy Minister for Diplomacy Michael Oren also criticized the opinion piece, the latter deeming it "journalistic terrorism."[13] The New York Times added an editor's note to the opinion piece on April 17, removing text that referred to Barghouti as a "Palestinian leader" and "parliamentarian." The note also stated that the article's original publication "neglected to provide sufficient context by stating the offenses of which [Barghouti] was convicted."[15]

Barghouti video edit

The Israeli Prison Service released a video on May 7 that allegedly showed Marwan Barghouti breaking his fast by eating candy bars and cookies.[16][17] Israeli Ministry of Public Security Gilad Erdan asserted that the video proved that the motivation behind the hunger strikes were not related to raising awareness of conditions in Israeli prisons, but rather to boost Barghouti's approval ratings.[18]

Barghouti and his lawyer, Khader Shkirat, declared the video to be fake, identifying discrepancies between Barghouti's prison cell and the cell featured in the video.[19] Several Palestinian officials including Barghouti, his wife, and Maryam Abu Daqqa of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine accused the Israeli government of trying to undermine the morale of strikers.[18]

Pizza Hut advertisement controversy edit

On May 7, the Israeli branch of Pizza Hut published an advertisement on Facebook using a photoshopped screenshot of the original prison video replacing the cookies with pizza.[20] The post was captioned "Barghouti, if you are going to break your (hunger) strike, isn't pizza the better choice?"[21] The ad was criticized by Palestinian protesters and some activists around the world called for a boycott of the company.[22] The post was deleted within hours and Pizza Hut International released a statement on May 9, calling the post "completely inappropriate" and stating that it "[did] not reflect the values of [their] brand."[23]

Violence and arrests edit

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)

On May 12, Israeli forces shot four Palestinians, killing one, at a solidarity protest in Nabi Salih, stating that the protesters were "throwing rocks."[24]

Huwara shooting edit

On May 18, an Israeli settler opened fire on a crowd of Palestinians at a solidarity protest in Huwara, killing one and injuring an Associated Press journalist.[25] The Israeli police claimed the settler was acting in self-defense and that Palestinians were surrounding his car and throwing rocks at it.[26] However, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) claimed that the settler had tried to run over Palestinians prior to the shooting.[27] Ahmad Fibril, head of the emergency department of the Palestine Red Crescent Society corroborated the claims made by the PCHR, adding that three Palestinians had been injured in a vehicle-ramming attack by the settler.[28] IDF troops arrived at the same time as the incident and dispersed the crowd using tear gas.[29] Three Palestinians who were suspected of throwing stones at the settler’s car were detained.[30]

Nikolay Mladenov, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, condemned the shooting and called for a formal investigation into the incident.[31] The IDF opened an investigation into the incident, but did not include the settler as a criminal suspect.[32]

Solidarity strikes edit

Some people outside of Palestine participated in similar hunger strikes and protests in solidarity with the movement.[33]

Belgium edit

 
May 2017 International Solidarity protest in Kreuzberg, Germany

Members of the European Parliament from Sweden, Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Britain, Austria, Denmark and Portugal took part in a sit-in at the Espace Léopold in Brussels on April 27.[34]

Ecuador edit

A group called "Ecuador for Palestine" held a performance in the Plaza de la Independencia in Quito on May 9 depicting the plight of hunger strikers.[33]

France edit

Activists in Paris organized by CAPJPO-Europalestine launched a hunger strike and held demonstrations at La Fontaine des Innocents.[35]

Ireland edit

Thousands protested across Ireland from late April to late May in multiple cities including Dublin,[36] Letterkenny,[37] and Galway.[38] The Palestinian flag flew on May 9th over City Hall, Dublin, in defiance of Israeli Ambassador to Ireland Ze’ev Boker who criticized the move as "highly politically charged."[39]

Italy edit

Activists from cities in Italy participated in protests late April to raise awareness for conditions in Israeli jails.[33]

Jordan edit

Hundreds of protesters marched through a street in downtown Amman on May 5, holding up signs reading “In Support of the Brave Prisoners” in Arabic. Member of parliament Dima Tahboub was among the marchers.[40]

Lebanon edit

Former Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss declared a hunger strike on Tuesday on May 2.[41] On May 5, hundreds of Palestinians and Lebanese people protested in Beirut and south Lebanon, in solidarity with prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli prisons. The protests were organized on Sheikh Hossam al-Ilani, who stated, "We stand today in support of our brothers and sisters, the detained heroes."[42] More protests were held in Ba'albeck and Tripoli on May 8.[43] Secretary-General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah stated he supported the movement and condemned what he saw as a lack of solidarity from Arab leaders, especially the Gulf monarchs.[44]

Morocco edit

 
Solidarity protest in Oslo, Norway, May 2017

On May Day, several activists burned an Israeli flag in front of the Embassy of Palestine Rabat. On May 6, protesters held sit-ins in front of the embassy to show "full, unconditional solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners."[45] From May 7 to May 8, over 1500 Moroccan activists in more than 50 cities went on a 24-hour hunger in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners.[46]

South Africa edit

More than a dozen South African politicians and several anti-apartheid activists and public figures completed a day-long fast from May 14 evening to May 15 evening to draw attention to the conditions in Israeli prisons. Among those who participated were Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim, and artist/poet Natalia Molebatsi. Deputy Foreign Minister Nomaindia Mfeketo also participated and noted "the growing number of South African Jews who have joined this 24-hour fast... remind us of our own white comrades who refused to let the apartheid government speak in their name."[47][48]

Spain edit

Activists from cities in Spain participated in protests late April to raise awareness for conditions in Israeli jails.[33]

Switzerland edit

Activists from cities in Switzerland participated in protests late April to raise awareness for conditions in Israeli jails.[33]

Tunisia edit

Hundreds of Tunisians participated in a demonstration in Tunis on May 16 in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike.[49]

United Kingdom edit

 
Booth set up in Norwich to raise awareness of the hunger strikes.

A group of students at the University of Manchester held hunger strikes late starting late April to pressure the university into dropping disciplinary action against two students involved in an anti-Israel BDS protest in March.[50] The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign set up a rally in Edinburgh to show solidarity with Palestinians ahead of visit of the Israeli ambassador to the Scottish Parliament.[51] Sinn Féin Republican Youth also held a rally in Derry on April 21.[52]

The Glasgow Celtic football club “ultras” fan group, the Green Brigade, along with Celtic Fans for Palestine, supported the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike with large banners and Palestinian flags at a football match on May 6.[53]

United States edit

American Muslims for Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace called for a candlelight vigil in Dearborn, Michigan on May 3.[54] The "Visibility Sustains the Struggle" initiative was set up on May 11 by New York artists in solidarity with the hunger strike and the Palestinian freedom movement more generally.[55] The Green Party has expressed support for the hunger strikes in Palestine.[56]

Zimbabwe edit

Zimbabwe's parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, and civil society joined the Palestinian embassy on May 3 for a "Solidarity Stand-off" with Palestinian prisoners.[57]

Internet campaigns edit

Salt water challenge edit

A social media campaign went viral in which participants would drink a mixture of table salt and water to show solidarity with the prisoners' protests.[58] The Internet challenge was similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014, in that participators would film themselves drinking the salt water, tag it with the hashtag "#SaltWaterChallenge," and challenge their friends to do the same at the end of the video.[59] The campaign was launched on April 24 through a video by Aarab Marwan Barghouti, who is the son of Marwan Barghouti.[60] Some notable participants of the challenge include Fatah Central Committee member Tawfiq Tirawi,[58] Palestinian-American comedian Amer Zahr,[58] Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf,[60] Lebanese TV personality Ali Jaber,[60] and 2017 winner of Arab Idol Yacoub Shaheen.[61]

Aftermath edit

Palestinian and Israeli officials confirmed that the hunger strike had ended on the morning of May 27 after 20 hours of talks and negotiations, in which the Israeli government agreed to allow prisoners to have two family visit each per month, instead of one.[62][63] According to Israeli prison service spokeswoman Nicole Englander, these negotiations were conducted between the Israeli government, the Palestinian Authority, and Red Cross.[64] However, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club claimed that Barghouti and a committee of prisoners also participated in the talks, which the prison service denied.[65] The Palestinian Committee of Prisoners’ Affairs also claimed that 80% of the strikers' demands had been conceded by the Israel Prison Service, which the service again denied, reiterating that the change over rules regarding family visits were the only concession.[66]

While the hunger strike began with roughly 1,600 participants, 834 prisoners continued for the entire 40 days.[67] After the strikes ended, hundreds of Palestinians celebrated in Ramallah by holding a music festival. Palestinian political analysts said the strikes had led to an increase in Barghouti's approval ratings.[68] Red Cross warned that the hunger strike had "potential irreversible health consequences" for many participants.[65] British newspaper The Times reported that 80 prisoners had been hospitalized during the strike,[69] but Englander contended that only 18 prisoners were hospitalized.[70]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Liebermann, Oren; Hosseini, Bijan (27 May 2017). "Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails end 40-day hunger strike". CNN. Jerusalem. Retrieved 4 June 2017. This hunger strike is the largest Palestinian prisoners have ever launched, said Ghassan Khatib, a Palestinian politician and former vice president of Birzeit University.
  2. ^ Tahhan, Zena (28 May 2017). "A timeline of Palestinian mass hunger strikes in Israel". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  3. ^ Brulliard, Karin (23 April 2012). "Palestinian hunger strikes draw attention to Israeli detention practice". The Washington Post. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  4. ^ Tahhan, Zena (17 April 2017). "Palestinian prisoners launch mass hunger strike". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  5. ^ Tahhan, Zena (16 August 2016). "Palestinian ex-prisoner Naim Shawamreh dies". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  6. ^ a b Norman, Julie M. (26 April 2017). "Five myths about the Palestinian hunger strike". The Washington Post. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  7. ^ Kubovich, Yaniv; Khoury, Jack (27 March 2017). "Palestinian Prisoners' Hunger Strike in Israeli Jails Ends". Haaretz. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  8. ^ Deitch, Ian (27 May 2017). "Palestinian prisoners end mass hunger strike". ABC News. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  9. ^ "Israel agrees to 80 percent of Palestinian prisoners' demands to end hunger strike, PLO says". Daily Sabah. Istanbul, Turkey. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  10. ^ "On seventh day: Mass hunger strike continues despite escalation". Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association. 23 April 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  11. ^ "Top Christian cleric in Jerusalem to join Palestinian prisoners' hunger strike". Christian Daily. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  12. ^ "Nativity Church deportees in Gaza to undertake solidarity hunger strike". Ma'an News Agency. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  13. ^ a b Mualem, Mazal (18 April 2017). "How Palestinian hunger strike leader rattled Israeli politicians". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  14. ^ Hoffman, Gil (18 April 2017). "PM Netanyahu Slams 'New York Times' for Barghouti Op-Ed". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  15. ^ "New York Times Amends Marwan Barghouti's Op-ed Noting Murder, Terror Conviction". Haaretz. 18 April 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  16. ^ Gross, Judah Ari (7 May 2017). "Video allegedly shows hunger-strike leader Barghouti sneaking food". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  17. ^ "Palestinian hunger strike leader Barghouti 'filmed eating'". BBC News. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  18. ^ a b Fisher, Ian (7 May 2017). "Videos Show Palestinian Hunger Strike Leader Snacking, Israel Says". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  19. ^ "Hunger strike leader Barghouti says eating video fake". Al Jazeera English. 14 May 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  20. ^ "Pizza Hut: We're sorry for mocking Palestinian hunger strike". Middle East Eye. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  21. ^ "Pizza Hut apologises for 'mocking hunger strike'". SBS World News. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  22. ^ Osborne, Samuel (10 May 2017). "Palestinians call for Pizza Hut boycott over Israeli advert 'mocking hunger strikers'". The Independent. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  23. ^ Diebelius, Georgia (10 May 2017). "Pizza Hut 'mocked Palestinian man on hunger strike with photoshopped pizza'". Metro. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  24. ^ "Palestinian shot dead by Israeli forces in Nabi Saleh". Al Jazeera English. 12 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  25. ^ Fisher, Ian (18 May 2017). "Israeli Fires on Palestinian Protesters in the West Bank, Killing One". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  26. ^ Lazaroff, Tovah (18 May 2017). "'I saw my life flash before my eyes'". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  27. ^ "Palestinian Civilian Killed and Journalist Wounded after Israeli Settler Opens Fire at them in Howarah Village, South of Nablus". Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  28. ^ "Israeli settler kills Palestinian after opening fire on solidarity march in Nablus". Ma'an News Agency. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  29. ^ Magid, Jacob (20 May 2017). "Despite dangerous route through Hawara, Itamar residents won't use safer bypass". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  30. ^ "3 Palestinians detained in wake of Huwwara clashes, settler who killed 1 remains free". Ma'an News Agency. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  31. ^ "Palestinian killed as settler opens fire during West Bank clashes". Reuters. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  32. ^ Berger, Yotam; Khoury, Jack; Cohen, Gili (18 May 2017). "Settler Defends Killing of Palestinian: They Almost Lynched Me". Haaretz. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  33. ^ a b c d e "European Hunger Strike Seeks to Strengthen Palestine Prisoners, Expose Israeli Apartheid". TeleSUR. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  34. ^ "European parliament members stage sit-in in solidarity with hunger strikers". Ma'an News Agency. Bethlehem, Palestine. 27 April 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  35. ^ "Grève de la faim à Paris aussi!". CAPJPO-Europalestine. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  36. ^ "Solidarity picket in support of Irish and Palestinian Prisoners". End Internment.
  37. ^ "Letterkenny to hold Bobby Sands hungerstrike commemoration". Donegal Now. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  38. ^ "Solidarity vigil with Palestinian political prisoners on hunger strike". Galway Independent. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  39. ^ Riordan, Michael (9 May 2017). "Palestinian flag flies over Dublin City Hall". The Times of Israel. Dublin, Ireland. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  40. ^ "Jordanians stage rally in support of Palestinian inmates on hunger strike". PRESSTV. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  41. ^ "Lebanon's ex-PM Salim Hoss joins Palestinian prisoners' hunger strike". Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. 3 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  42. ^ Zaatari, Mohammad; Chehayeb, Kareem (5 May 2017). "Lebanese, Palestinian protest in support of hunger strike prisoners". The Daily Star. Sidan and Beirut, Lebanon. Retrieved 19 May 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  43. ^ "Lebanese protest in support of Palestine hunger strikers". The Daily Star. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  44. ^ "Hezbollah Leader Blasts Arab Silence on Palestinian Prisoners' Historic Hunger Strike". TeleSUR. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  45. ^ Jabrane, Ezzoubeir (6 May 2017). "Human Rights Activists Begin Hunger Strike in Solidarity with Palestinian Prisoners". Morocco World News. Rabat, Morocco. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  46. ^ "1,500 Moroccans go on hunger strike in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners". Middle East Monitor. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  47. ^ McKernan, Bethan (17 May 2017). "Senior South African anti-apartheid figures go on hunger strike in solidarity with Palestinians". The Independent. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  48. ^ Ebrahim, Shannon (16 May 2017). "Ministers on hunger strike in solidarity with Palestinians". IOL. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  49. ^ "Tunisia comes out in support of hunger striking Palestinian prisoners". Middle East Monitor. 16 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  50. ^ Mandhai, Shafik (29 April 2017). "UK students on hunger strike in support of Palestinians". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  51. ^ Streatfield, Zoe (13 May 2017). "Protest Backs Palestine Hunger Strike". Morning Star. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  52. ^ "Rally in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners tonight". Derry Journal. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  53. ^ "Celtic Fans Show their Solidarity with Palestinian Hunger Strikers at Glasgow Match". The Palestine Chronicle. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  54. ^ Farhat, Zahraa (5 May 2017). "Locals hold vigil in support of Palestinian hunger strikers". The Arab American News. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  55. ^ McKee, Yates (17 May 2017). "As Palestinian #DignityStrike Passes One-Month Mark, New York Artists Illuminate the Struggle". Hyperallergic. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  56. ^ "Green Party of the U.S. supports hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners". Green Party of the United States. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  57. ^ Manzvanzvike, Tendai H. (5 May 2017). "Palestinian Hunger Strike – Zim MPs Join 'Solidarity Stand-Off'". The Herald. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  58. ^ a b c Lieber, Dov (2 May 2017). "Palestinians take 'salt water challenge' for hunger-strikers". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  59. ^ Muaddi, Nadeem (27 April 2017). "Palestinians highlight prisoners' strike with 'Salt Water Challenge'". CNN. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  60. ^ a b c "#SaltWaterChallenge: A social media challenge in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners". France 24. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  61. ^ "#SaltWaterChallenge: Palestinian solidarity goes viral". Al Jazeera English. 28 April 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  62. ^ "Palestinians end mass hunger strike in Israel jails". The Daily Telegraph. Reuters. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  63. ^ "Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel end hunger strike". Deutsche Welle. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  64. ^ Deitch, Ian (27 May 2017). "Hundreds of Palestinians end hunger strike after reaching agreement with Israeli authorities". The Independent. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  65. ^ a b Beaumont, Peter (27 May 2017). "Mass Palestinian hunger strike in Israeli jails ends after visitation deal". The Guardian. Jerusalem. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  66. ^ "Palestinians claim 80% of hunger strikers' demands were met". The Times of Israel. 28 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  67. ^ Deitch, Ian (27 May 2017). "Palestinian prisoners end mass hunger strike". The Washington Post. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  68. ^ Mitnick, Joshua (27 May 2017). "Palestinian prisoners end six-week hunger strike after reaching deal". Los Angeles Times. Tel Aviv, Israel. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  69. ^ Emanuel, Louis (27 May 2017). "Palestinian hunger strike ends as Israel yields to prison demand". The Times. Retrieved 5 June 2017. Eighty of the strikers had been taken to hospital in the past few days
  70. ^ "Palestinian Inmates in Israeli Jails End Hunger Strike". NBC News. Reuters. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2017.

External links edit