Today, Palestinian detainee Khalil Awawdeh, 40-year-old, continues his hunger strike for the 77th day, as does Raed Rayan, 27 years old, for the 41st day. Both are protesting against their ‘administrative detention’, or detention without trial.
The Commission of Detainees and ex-detainees Affairs has warned about Rayan’s deteriorating health.
Earlier this week, prisoners in Ofer prison chose to reject meals in support of the striking detainees.
The Commission reports that Rayan suffers from pains in his head and joints, stomach and eye problems, and severe fatigue and continuous vomiting. He cannot walk and must use a wheelchair.
Awawdeh, who is being held by the occupation authorities in the Ramleh Prison clinic, has also deteriorated his health. His symptoms include chest pains, vomiting, a lack of fluids, blurred vision, and severe fatigue. Despite decreased mobility, he has refused all aids and support.
Awawdeh, from the town of Ithna in the Hebron Governorate, was arrested on 27 December 2021, after which an administrative detention order was issued against him for a period of six months. The December arrest was his fifth; he has been administratively detained three times. He is married with four children.
Rayan, from the village of Beit Daqu in the Jerusalem Governorate, was arrested on 3 November 2021, after which a six-month administrative detention order was issued against him. At its term, it was renewed for four months, at which point Rayan began an open hunger strike. A former detainee, Rayan has spent nearly 21 months under administrative detention.
Administrative detention is detention without charge or trial; neither the detainee nor their legal team are able to inspect the evidence against them.
Through April 2022, the Israeli occupation authorities issued 154 administrative detention orders against Palestinians, ranging from two to six months. Such orders are infinitely renewable.
The number of Palestinian prisoners in occupation prisons is estimated to be 4,450, including approximately 530 administrative detainees.
