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Palestinian PM calls on U.S. to help release striking prisoner from Israeli jail

Xinhua, February 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Saturday called on the United States to intervene immediately to oblige Israel to release a hunger striking prisoner from Israeli jails.

Hamdallah met with U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, in Ramallah and called for U.S. help in saving journalist Mohamed Al-Qiq whose health has seriously deteriorated due to his hunger strike in protesting the administrative detention which "violates all international laws and norms."

Palestinian official sources warned earlier on Saturday that Al-Qiq has "entered a critical life or death situation as his medical condition continues to deteriorate every minute."

Al-Qiq, a TV journalist, was arrested by Israeli forces last November under administrative detention policy. He has been on a hunger strike for over 80 days.

Israel's administrative detention is a measure that allows the Israeli authorities to detain prisoners without charging them or allowing them to stand a trial based on secret information that cannot be accessed by either the detainees or lawyers for a period of six months that can be renewed for unlimited times.

Hamdallah discussed with Power the Israeli violations, especially killings, settlement activity and house demolitions, calling on her to deliver the message of the Palestinians to the U.S. administration asking for international protection.

"The Israeli austerity towards the peace requirements is what failed the entire political process," said Hamdallah in a press statement, accusing Israel of "undermining the two-state solution through its practices."

Power is on a four-day long tour in the region to meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials. She reiterated on Saturday the U.S. commitment to advancing a two-state solution as well as a peaceful resolution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Israeli public radio reported that Power will meet with Israeli leaders to discuss security coordination and the peace process. Endit