Palestinians Favour A Diplomatic Solution, Says Haniyeh

As the “Battle of the Stomachs” ends its 21st day, and 27-year old Bilal Diab and 33 year-old Thaer Halahleh end their 70th day of hunger-striking, Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh stated that Palestinians prefer a diplomatic solution to the issue, but this is in Israel’s hands.

http://youtu.be/6G-xkrHXt-s
Apart from the critical condition of Diab and Halahleh, another six long-term hunger strikers have been denied visits from independent doctors to assess their condition, and doctors from Physicians for Human Rights –Israel are currently pursuing court action to gain access to at least three of them. The six are:

Hassan Safadi- 64 days
Omar Abu Shalal- 62 days
Mohammad Taj- 51 days
Jaafar Azzedine- 47 days
Mahmoud Sarsak- 46 days
Abdullah Barghouti- 26 days

The vast majority of Palestinians – and numerous international human rights organizations and personalities - hold Israel responsible for the fate of the hunger-striking prisoners, considering, like Haniyeh, that the solution is in Israel’s hands - to act in accordance with international law relating to the treatment of prisoners.

The Arab League said today it will ask the UN General Assembly to hold an emergency meeting to resolve the crisis.

ENDS

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