18 December 2012, Ramallah - Addameer is deeply concerned about the health of the five hunger strikers as their situation rapidly deteriorates in the Occupation’s prisons. The five hunger strikers, Ayman Sharawna (171 days), Samer Issawi (140 days), Yousef Yassin (21 days), Jafar Azzidine (21 days) and Tarek Qa’adan (21 days), are in danger of imminent death if they are not provided with immediate independent medical care or release.

 

Addameer lawyers visited hunger striker Ayman Sharawna in Ramleh Prison Hosptial on 18 December 2012. Ayman’s health is in grave danger, as he is suffering from severe pain in the kidneys, liver and legs, and has lost his vision. Ayman is refusing to be transferred to another hospital due to his Israel Prison Service’s intention to shackle him during transportation and treatment. The doctor at Ramleh Prison Hospital told Ayman that there is serious danger on his life if he discontinues to drink water. He is currently taking vitamins and sugar.

 

Ayman is protesting his arbitrary re-arrest after his releasei n the Gilad Shalit exchange of 11 October 2011. The prosecution is attempting to renew his previous sentence despite their lack of charges. 

Faris Zaid, Addameer lawyer, was unable to visit Samer Issawi today because of his court date, in which he was attacked by the IPS special services. Addameer lawyers last visited Samer Issawi on 12 December 2012, and reported that he is suffering pain in all of his muscles, has very low blood pressure and is losing his eye sight. He is now being regularly tested with a heart monitor and being administered with B12 injections to protect his nerves.

 

 

Yousef Yassin, Jafar Azzidine and Tarek Qa’adan, who have been on hunger strike for 21 days are still being held in Magiddo Prison. They were arrested on 22 November 2012, following the cease fire during the attacks on the Gaza Strip. They are on hunger strike to protest their administrative detention orders. Jafar and Tarek are both former prisoners.

 

Addameer calls on the international community to pressure the Israeli Prison Service for the immediate release of the hunger striking prisoners to stop their worsening and deteriorating health conditions. Addameer calls on the international community to intervene and demands that Israel upholds international human rights and humanitarian law.

 

*Write to the Israeli government, military and legal authorities and demand the release of the prisoners on hunger strike.

*Write to your own elected representatives urging them to pressure Israel to release the hunger strikers.