Dr. Saeb Erekat Condemns Israeli Prison Authorities Attacks on Palestinian Prisoners

Today, Chief Palestinian Negotiator, Dr. Saeb Erekat condemned the recent attack by the Israeli prison authorities on unarmed Palestinian prisoners in the Negev detention centre, which led to the death of Mohammed Al Ashqar (from Tulkarem) and the injury of at least 255 others, including critical injuries.

Dr. Erekat described the attack as a ''willful killing, in contravention with international law and all international standards’’. He also noted that this recent Israeli mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners is another indicator to the lack of respect Israel conveys to international law and to human life.

Dr. Erekat explained that “no issue highlights Israel’s 40 years denial of Palestinian freedom under military occupation better than that of Palestinian prisoners” adding that of the 3.9 million Palestinians living in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, there are few who have not been personally affected by Israel’s imprisonment.

Dr. Erekat reminded the world that there are more than 10,400 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention camps, including 118 women, close to 376 children and at least 950 ''administrative detainees’’; held without charge or trial. He added that the majority of the Palestinian prisoners are political prisoners imprisoned by Israel for opposing the occupation.

Dr. Erekat concluded by urging the International Community to intervene to stop the widespread imprisonment of Palestinians by Israeli authorities, the inhumane treatment they receive while imprisoned and the daily Israeli breaches of international law. He also demanded the immediate release of all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.

Since the year 2000, the attacks on Palestinian prisoners by Israeli prison authorities have claimed the lives of 17 prisoners.