At 89 days, Palestinian is longest-fasting hunger striker in decades
Mohammed al-Qiq’s condition said to be critical; no one else has survived this long, says Physicians for Human Rights-Israel
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An advocacy group says a Palestinian journalist held by Israel has entered uncharted medical territory with a hunger strike of 89 days — longer than fasts by other Palestinians or by Irish prisoners in 1981.
Amani Dayif of Physicians for Human Rights-Israel said Monday that Mohammed al-Qiq’s condition is rapidly deteriorating, and that no one else “has survived this much” time.
The case of Qiq, who Israel says is a member of the Palestinian terror group Hamas, highlights the divisive practice of holding detainees without charge or trial, usually Palestinians suspected of terror activities, but also — in recent months — Jewish Israelis allegedly linked to attacks.
Qiq launched his hunger strike on November 25, 2015, to win release from detention.
His fate has been discussed in recent top-level meetings, including on Sunday by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and US Secretary of State John Kerry.
Last Tuesday, the High Court of Justice rejected Qiq’s petition to be transferred to a hospital in Ramallah, and ruled he must stay in the northern Israel hospital where he is currently being held. Qiq, whose condition has been rapidly deteriorating, earlier last Tuesday rejected an Israeli compromise to transfer him to East Jerusalem’s al-Maqased Hospital, saying he would only end his fast if he is sent to a medical facility in the West Bank, under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction.
The United Nations has expressed concern about his fate, with the International Committee of the Red Cross describing his condition as critical.
The Shin Bet security service says Qiq was detained under the controversial administrative detention directive for activity on behalf of Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. He denies this.
The Times of Israel Community.