RAMALLAH, West Bank — A bearded Islamist who lived on liquids and minerals for 66 days to protest his open-ended incarceration in Israel, winning his freedom, has inspired more than 1,000 other Palestinian prisoners to follow him, putting pressure on Israel.
The prisoners who have joined the strike in recent weeks are demanding better conditions and an end to imprisonment without charges. The mass action could leave Israel with tough choices. It does not want to be seen as caving in to prisoners, many of whom were involved in deadly attacks — but it might face a harsh, even violent reaction if any of them die.
Some say the strike also is an expression of the frustration that many Palestinians feel as they exhaust options to pressure Israel.
“Hunger-striking was the only thing I could have done,” said Khader Adnan, who was released by Israel last month after his 66-day hunger strike. “It was the only power I had: disobedience.”
According to prison officials, at least 1,600 of the 4,600 Palestinians held by Israel are refusing food. Palestinians say about 2,500 are striking. The Associated Press
