On Sunday, December 26, 2021, the Israeli occupation authorities have suspended the administrative detention of Palestinian prisoner Hisham Abu Hawash, who has been on hunger strike for 132 days.
However, the decision does not mean ending Abu Hawash’s prison sentence, but rather clears the Israeli occupation’s prison administration and the Israeli intelligence from any responsibility for his health situation.
The move means that Abu Hawash would be guarded by hospital security instead of prison guards, and his family will remain incapable of transporting him elsewhere.
The health of Palestinian prisoner Abu Hawash has reached a life-threatening stage, as he entered day 132 of his hunger strike in protest at his administrative detention.
Yesterday, Palestinian social media users shared photos showing Abu Hawash in very critical health situation due to his protracted hunger strike.
Recently, a Red Cross delegation visited Abu Hawash in the infirmary of the Ramla prison and reported about his critical health condition and his need for expert clinical monitoring.
In a statement, the Red Cross warned that Abu Hawash could face irreversible health consequences and possible tragic loss of life, stressing that every detainee must be treated humanely and with dignity.
Last week, an Israeli court had turned down an appeal to release him and passed a verdict a week ago endorsing his four-month administrative detention.
Abu Hawash, a father of five, was detained on October 27, 2020, and held in administrative detention for six months that was renewed more than once.
Abu Hawash’s family has warned that their son may die at any moment as a result of his prolonged hunger strike, calling for urgent action to save his life before it is too late.
At least four of five other hunger strikers have recently ended their protests after reaching deals with Israeli authorities. They are expected to be released in the coming months.
Hunger strikes have been common among Palestinian prisoners and have helped secure several concessions from Israeli authorities.
The nature of these strikes has varied from individuals protesting detention without charge to groups calling for improved imprisonment conditions.
Around 500 of the 4,600 Palestinians detained by Israel are held in administrative detention.
