Anas Shadid and Ahmad Abu Fara are now on their 68th day of hunger strike to demand the end of their administrative detention, Israeli imprisonment without charge or trial. Shadid, 19, and Abu Fara, 29, have refused food since 25 September to demand their release.
Both are currently held in Assaf Harofeh hospital. Their administrative detention was “suspended” by the Israeli Supreme Court due to their extremely bad health status. Both suffer severe weight loss, pain, kidney disease, and are unable to stand or walk. The deputy director of the hospital submitted a medical report on Wednesday, 30 November to the court, affirming the severity of their medical condition and the risk of permanent injury or death faced by the strikers.
They have continued to puruse their strike, despite threats of forced feeding or forcible treatment. Both are demanding an end to their administrative detention; “suspended” detention means that their imprisonment will be reimposed after an improvement in their health conditions. They have been imprisoned without charge or trial since August of this year and are demanding an end to the practice of administrative detention. Over 700 Palestinians are imprisoned by Israel without charge or trial under indefinitely-renewable administrative detention orders.
Shadid and Abu Fara are joined on hunger strike by fellow administrative detainee Ammar Hmour of Jenin, who has been on strike for 12 days to demand his release. He was moved to isolation in the Negev desert prison in response to the launch of his hunger strike.
It was also announced on Wednesday, 30 November that Kifah Hattab of Tulkarem, imprisoned since 2003, has been on hunger strike for nine days to demand recognition as a prisoner of war. Nour al-Din Amer, previously on hunger strike against his isolation, ended his strike on 28 November in an agreement that will allow him a visit with his sister and to receive winter clothing from his family.
Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network urges active international solidarity with Anas Shadid and Ahmad Abu Fara and their fellow Palestinian prisoners at this critical time. Their bodies are on the front lines of the struggle against administrative detention and for the freedom of imprisoned Palestinians. Protests, phone calls and actions are necessary to support their struggle as their lives are at risk for seeking freedom.
Take action!
1. Hold a direct action, protest, picket or demonstration, including building the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign to internationally isolate Israel, its institutions, and the corporations – like G4S and HP-that profit from imprisonment, occupation, racism, colonialism and injustice. Demand freedom for Ahmad Abu Fara, Anas Shadid and all Palestinian prisoners. A flyer is provided below for distribution at your events and other actions. Please email [email protected] or post to Samidoun on Facebook about your events and actions.
2. Call political figures to demand action for the hunger strikers. Call your government officials to pressure them to end the silence and complicity with the Israeli regime of political imprisonment and administrative detention.
Call during your country’s regular office hours:
- Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop: + 61 2 6277 7500
- Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion: +1-613-996-5789
- European Union Commissioner Federica Mogherini: +32 (0) 2 29 53516
- New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully: +64 4 439 8000
- United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson: +44 20 7008 1500
- United States President Barack Obama: 1-202-456-1111
Tell your government:
- Two Palestinian prisoners, Anas Shadid and Ahmad Abu Fara, have been on hunger strike since 25 September against administrative detention, Israeli imprisonment without charge or trial.
- Your government must demand the strikers’ immediate release and end all support for Israel’s political imprisonment and other crimes against Palestinians.
- Israel’s use of administrative detention is a universally-recognized violation of human rights and international law.
- The government must do more than criticize administrative detention or express concern, but should also take serious measures to end these violations.
Download the leaflet: Click here to download PDF
