Palestinian journalist Mohammed al-Qeeq, now on his 73rd day of hunger strike, issued a statement from HaEmek hospital in Afula, where he is held. Yesterday, 4 February, al-Qeeq rejected the decision of the Israeli Supreme Court to “suspend” his administrative detention due to his health, for later reimposition; he announced that he was continuing his hunger strike and rejection of medical treatment until he is freed from administrative detention without charge or trial without conditions.
Palestinian lawyer Hanan al-Khatib reported Al-Qeeq’s statement as follows:
First: His rejection of the “suspension” of administrative detention, which is an attempt to undermine solidarity with the hunger strike and deceive the world. He refuses to visit with his family in the occupation hospitals; his demand is for treatment only in Palestinian hospitals after the full and unconditional termination of his detention; this decision is clear.
Second: The occupation and the Israeli prison managements bear full responsibility for his life, because this is an attempt to disclaim responsibility for any developments on his health.
Third: This does not indicate any intention by the occupation to resolve this case: he refuses treatment in occupation hospitals and confirms that his hunger strike continues and will not stop until he wins his freedom.
Fourth: He calls on all free voices in the world to intensify their solidarity with him now, in response to this decision, which is tantamount to execution under a medical and legal cover.
Al-Qeeq’s demands were reiterated by his family, who “called the suspension of his detention a murder and an execution under the pretext of medical treatment and a way to dodge responsibility for anything that may happen to him.” The family joined his refusal of visits in HaEmek hospital, noting that his demand is for treatment in a Palestinian hospital.
