A hunger striking Palestinian held by Israel is now refusing water and vitamins and has been told by a doctor that his heart could stop at any time if he refuses water, Ma’an News Agency reported Tuesday.
The report cited a Tuesday visit to Palestinian inmate Samer al-Issawi by a Palestinian Prisoners Society attorney. Issawi has been on a hunger strike for 188 days and is suffering from numbness and cramps, according the report, and now weighs 47 kilograms (104 lbs).
On Monday MK Ahmad Tibi reported on his Facebook page that Issawi’s spirits were high though his weight stood at only 48 kilograms (106 lbs).
Issawi was arrested in July, 2012, less than a year after being freed as part of the swap deal that saw Hamas release kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Approximately 100 people gathered outside the Ayalon Prison in Ramle on Monday to protest the continued detainment of Issawi.
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“We want you alive among us so you can continue to fight for your people and homeland, and we are looking forward to visiting you at home after you triumph in this hunger strike, God willing,” Tibi was quoted Monday by the Palestinian Ma’an news agency as telling Issawi.
Issawi was arrested on July 7, 2012, for violating his parole by venturing outside Jerusalem’s city limits. According to Ma’an, Issawi is willing to die in his struggle against Israel.
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