29 jan 2016
HaEmek Hospital, where hunger striker Muhammad al-Qeeq has been hospitalized for about a month, has prevented yesterday the entrance of a volunteer physician from Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (PHRI).
On January 11, at the request of al-Qeeq and his family, the organization had made an urgent request to the Israel Prison Service (IPS) to allow an independent physician to visit him immediately.
This request was submitted to the IPS following the hospital management claim that it had no authority to approve or reject such a request.
After the visit was approved and coordinated by the IPS for January 27th, the hospital told PHRI it would not allow the visit, arguing that it did not have a suitable doctor who was available to accompany the visit at the scheduled time.
It made this claim even though the presence of a doctor on behalf of the hospital not only is not required - it contradicts the duty to maintain the patient's privacy.
International ethical codes emphasize the importance of a medical examination by an independent doctor to create a trusting relationship with the hunger striker in an attempt to reach a life-saving solution.
As Al-Qeeq is now in the 65th day of his hunger strike, this delay can be critical.
According to the Patient's Rights Act, the hospital is required to help the patient do everything necessary to realize his right to be visited by a physician.
PHRI condemns the HaEmek Hospital's decision, which reflects the inappropriate conduct that was described by Al-Qeeq until now: the forced treatment and the pressure to end his hunger strike.
In another development, the High Court ruled yesterday that it would not intervene to release Al-Qeeq from administrative detention.
PHRI reiterates its call for his immediate release.
For further information, please contact:
Andrea Barsony
International Advocacy Coordinator
Physicians for Human Rights – Israel
052 742 45 14 / andrea@phr.org.il
Prisoners to start protest steps in solidarity with journalist Qeiq
Palestinian prisoners in several Israeli jails decided to start next week protest steps in solidarity with journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, who has been on hunger strike for more than 65 days.
A spokesman for the prisoners in Negev jail told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) over the phone that the prisoners would start on Sunday part of these steps by refusing to take daily meals. Later, he said, the prisoners with medical conditions would take further steps by refusing to take medication and go to infirmaries.
He added that the prisoners could escalate their protest steps and refuse to go to courts in the coming days. The Israeli prison service has recently showed indifference to the deteriorating health condition of journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, which raised the anger of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, who threatened to take protest steps to pressure for his release.
On January 11, at the request of al-Qeeq and his family, the organization had made an urgent request to the Israel Prison Service (IPS) to allow an independent physician to visit him immediately.
This request was submitted to the IPS following the hospital management claim that it had no authority to approve or reject such a request.
After the visit was approved and coordinated by the IPS for January 27th, the hospital told PHRI it would not allow the visit, arguing that it did not have a suitable doctor who was available to accompany the visit at the scheduled time.
It made this claim even though the presence of a doctor on behalf of the hospital not only is not required - it contradicts the duty to maintain the patient's privacy.
International ethical codes emphasize the importance of a medical examination by an independent doctor to create a trusting relationship with the hunger striker in an attempt to reach a life-saving solution.
As Al-Qeeq is now in the 65th day of his hunger strike, this delay can be critical.
According to the Patient's Rights Act, the hospital is required to help the patient do everything necessary to realize his right to be visited by a physician.
PHRI condemns the HaEmek Hospital's decision, which reflects the inappropriate conduct that was described by Al-Qeeq until now: the forced treatment and the pressure to end his hunger strike.
In another development, the High Court ruled yesterday that it would not intervene to release Al-Qeeq from administrative detention.
PHRI reiterates its call for his immediate release.
For further information, please contact:
Andrea Barsony
International Advocacy Coordinator
Physicians for Human Rights – Israel
052 742 45 14 / andrea@phr.org.il
Prisoners to start protest steps in solidarity with journalist Qeiq
Palestinian prisoners in several Israeli jails decided to start next week protest steps in solidarity with journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, who has been on hunger strike for more than 65 days.
A spokesman for the prisoners in Negev jail told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) over the phone that the prisoners would start on Sunday part of these steps by refusing to take daily meals. Later, he said, the prisoners with medical conditions would take further steps by refusing to take medication and go to infirmaries.
He added that the prisoners could escalate their protest steps and refuse to go to courts in the coming days. The Israeli prison service has recently showed indifference to the deteriorating health condition of journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, which raised the anger of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, who threatened to take protest steps to pressure for his release.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) on Thursday extended the detention of 38-year-old journalist Mujahed al-Saadi for the third time in a row.
Al-Saadi’s family said the Israeli military court in the Jalama lock-up extended the remand of their son for eight days at the request of the Israeli military prosecution under the pretext of underway investigation procedures.
Al-Saadi had been incarcerated for five years in the Israeli occupation jails and was re-arrested on January 12.
At least 19 Palestinian journalists are currently held in Israeli prisons, including the hunger-striking detainee Muhammad al-Qeiq, who has been starving for 66 days running in protest at his arbitrary detention.
Al-Saadi’s family said the Israeli military court in the Jalama lock-up extended the remand of their son for eight days at the request of the Israeli military prosecution under the pretext of underway investigation procedures.
Al-Saadi had been incarcerated for five years in the Israeli occupation jails and was re-arrested on January 12.
At least 19 Palestinian journalists are currently held in Israeli prisons, including the hunger-striking detainee Muhammad al-Qeiq, who has been starving for 66 days running in protest at his arbitrary detention.
28 jan 2016
The Palestinian journalist captive Mohammad al-Qeeq, who has been on hunger strike for 65 days, declared that he is continuing the open hunger strike until his liberation or martyrdom.
The head of the legal unit of Palestinian Prisoners Society, lawyer Jawad Boulus, who visited the captive in Afula hospital, said that detainee al-Qeeq was not surprised of the court’s decision to keep the appeal suspended based on his health condition.
Boulus revealed that detainee al-Qeeq signed a sworn statement declaring that he chose willingly to go on hunger strike which may result in untreatable physical damage or may lead to death.
The statement also says that the Israeli Prison Service as well as medical crews or any other party declare that they will not force-feed or provide treatment to him even if he passes out.
Boulus pointed out that the health condition of journalist captive alQeeq is still of the same critical level. He is too thin and sleepy most of the time with difficulty to speak in addition to pain all over his body, but he is still conscious, Boulus elaborated.
The head of the legal unit of Palestinian Prisoners Society, lawyer Jawad Boulus, who visited the captive in Afula hospital, said that detainee al-Qeeq was not surprised of the court’s decision to keep the appeal suspended based on his health condition.
Boulus revealed that detainee al-Qeeq signed a sworn statement declaring that he chose willingly to go on hunger strike which may result in untreatable physical damage or may lead to death.
The statement also says that the Israeli Prison Service as well as medical crews or any other party declare that they will not force-feed or provide treatment to him even if he passes out.
Boulus pointed out that the health condition of journalist captive alQeeq is still of the same critical level. He is too thin and sleepy most of the time with difficulty to speak in addition to pain all over his body, but he is still conscious, Boulus elaborated.
Hamas has launched calls for mass participation in a rally set to be staged Friday in solidarity with the Palestinian hunger-striker Muhammad al-Qeiq and in support for the anti-occupation uprising.
The solidarity rally is set to kick off after noon prayers from al-Haras Mosque in support for prisoner al-Qeiq, whose hunger strike has entered its 65th day.
A rally was, meanwhile, held in Nablus on Thursday by the Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) and the Prisoners’ Committee, among other human rights institutions, in solidarity with al-Qeiq.
Ex-hunger-striking detainee Muhammad Allan said al-Qeiq is on the verge of death as his health status has entered a critical downturn.
Allan called on the Palestinian Authority and the international human rights bodies to urgently step in and urge the Israeli occupation to release al-Qeiq before it is too late.
Allan further called on the Palestinian resistance in Gaza to exert pressure on the Israeli occupation and hold it responsible for al-Qeiq’s life.
Head of the PPS in Nablus, Raed Amer, also said that the Israeli occupation authorities have been dragging their feet over al-Qeiq’s case despite his very critical health status.
The solidarity rally is set to kick off after noon prayers from al-Haras Mosque in support for prisoner al-Qeiq, whose hunger strike has entered its 65th day.
A rally was, meanwhile, held in Nablus on Thursday by the Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) and the Prisoners’ Committee, among other human rights institutions, in solidarity with al-Qeiq.
Ex-hunger-striking detainee Muhammad Allan said al-Qeiq is on the verge of death as his health status has entered a critical downturn.
Allan called on the Palestinian Authority and the international human rights bodies to urgently step in and urge the Israeli occupation to release al-Qeiq before it is too late.
Allan further called on the Palestinian resistance in Gaza to exert pressure on the Israeli occupation and hold it responsible for al-Qeiq’s life.
Head of the PPS in Nablus, Raed Amer, also said that the Israeli occupation authorities have been dragging their feet over al-Qeiq’s case despite his very critical health status.
The Israeli Supreme Court turned down the appeals filed by the Palestinian hunger-striker Muhammad al-Qeiq to end his administrative detention and restore his freedom after his hunger strike in Israeli jails has entered its 64th day.
Lawyer Ashraf Abu Esneineh dubbed the court decision “strange and unclear.”
The Israeli court said the decision on whether to release al-Qeiq will depend on his health status, and that due to the critical downturn the latter has gone through an urgent hearing will be held by the court to finalize the decision.
The lawyer said a similar decision was issued against the ex-hunger-striking detainee Muhammad Allan sometime earlier.
Abu Esneineh added that the judge's procrastination as regards al-Qeiq’s case amounts to a rejection of his appeals and a disregard for his life.
Lawyer Jawad Boulos, from the Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS), also said that the occupation court left the decision on the appeals filed by al-Qeiq suspended.
He added that the court required a set of daily check-ups on al-Qeiq’s health status pending a final decision on his case.
Prisoner al-Qeiq has been on a hunger strike for 64 days running in protest at being held administratively, with neither charge nor trial, in Israeli occupation jails.
The Palestinian Journalist Bloc (PJB) also condemned the apathy maintained by the Israeli occupation vis-à-vis al-Qeiq’s critical health status, saying the occupation authorities rather aim to cold-bloodedly execute the detainee.
The PJB spoke out against the silence maintained by international human rights institutions as regards al-Qeiq’s case.
“Where have the Red Cross Organizations, Reporters Without Borders, the International Federation of Journalists, among other regional and international institutions been?” PJB wondered.
The group called on all concerned parties to take up their responsibilities regarding al-Qeiq and to seriously work on saving his life before it is too late.
Red Cross concerned over health of hunger striker Mohamed Qeiq
The Red Cross has voiced its deep concern over the health condition of journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, who has been on hunger strike for over 60 days.
In a press release on Thursday, the Red Cross said that its doctor and delegates visit Qeiq regularly in order to monitor his health condition, affirming that it is in constant contact with the Israeli competent authorities with regard to the issue of the prisoner.
The Red Cross described the health condition of Qeiq as very critical and life-threatening as a result of his prolonged hunger strike.
Red Cross doctor Javier Rubio stressed the importance of maintaining ongoing dialog between the patient, his representatives and the Israeli authorities in order to find a solution preventing any loss of life.
In a related context, an Israeli court rejected on Wednesday a petition filed by his lawyer demanding an end to his administrative detention.
His lawyer, Ashraf Abu Sneineh condemned the court decision as "strange and unclear," pointing out that the court said it would not consider his release unless his health condition reached a very critical stage.
For his part, Sheikh Ali Daghi, secretary-general of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, appealed to the international community and the world's civil society and human rights groups to swiftly intervene to pressure Israel to unconditionally release journalist Qeiq.
Despite the gravity of his health condition, journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq insists on continuing his hunger strike for 65th consecutive day in protest at his administrative detention with no indictment.
Lawyer Ashraf Abu Esneineh dubbed the court decision “strange and unclear.”
The Israeli court said the decision on whether to release al-Qeiq will depend on his health status, and that due to the critical downturn the latter has gone through an urgent hearing will be held by the court to finalize the decision.
The lawyer said a similar decision was issued against the ex-hunger-striking detainee Muhammad Allan sometime earlier.
Abu Esneineh added that the judge's procrastination as regards al-Qeiq’s case amounts to a rejection of his appeals and a disregard for his life.
Lawyer Jawad Boulos, from the Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS), also said that the occupation court left the decision on the appeals filed by al-Qeiq suspended.
He added that the court required a set of daily check-ups on al-Qeiq’s health status pending a final decision on his case.
Prisoner al-Qeiq has been on a hunger strike for 64 days running in protest at being held administratively, with neither charge nor trial, in Israeli occupation jails.
The Palestinian Journalist Bloc (PJB) also condemned the apathy maintained by the Israeli occupation vis-à-vis al-Qeiq’s critical health status, saying the occupation authorities rather aim to cold-bloodedly execute the detainee.
The PJB spoke out against the silence maintained by international human rights institutions as regards al-Qeiq’s case.
“Where have the Red Cross Organizations, Reporters Without Borders, the International Federation of Journalists, among other regional and international institutions been?” PJB wondered.
The group called on all concerned parties to take up their responsibilities regarding al-Qeiq and to seriously work on saving his life before it is too late.
Red Cross concerned over health of hunger striker Mohamed Qeiq
The Red Cross has voiced its deep concern over the health condition of journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, who has been on hunger strike for over 60 days.
In a press release on Thursday, the Red Cross said that its doctor and delegates visit Qeiq regularly in order to monitor his health condition, affirming that it is in constant contact with the Israeli competent authorities with regard to the issue of the prisoner.
The Red Cross described the health condition of Qeiq as very critical and life-threatening as a result of his prolonged hunger strike.
Red Cross doctor Javier Rubio stressed the importance of maintaining ongoing dialog between the patient, his representatives and the Israeli authorities in order to find a solution preventing any loss of life.
In a related context, an Israeli court rejected on Wednesday a petition filed by his lawyer demanding an end to his administrative detention.
His lawyer, Ashraf Abu Sneineh condemned the court decision as "strange and unclear," pointing out that the court said it would not consider his release unless his health condition reached a very critical stage.
For his part, Sheikh Ali Daghi, secretary-general of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, appealed to the international community and the world's civil society and human rights groups to swiftly intervene to pressure Israel to unconditionally release journalist Qeiq.
Despite the gravity of his health condition, journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq insists on continuing his hunger strike for 65th consecutive day in protest at his administrative detention with no indictment.
27 jan 2016
45 Palestinian detainees affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) announced their decision to initiate a two-day hunger strike in solidarity with hunger-striker Muhammad al-Qeiq and in protest at the ongoing isolation of prisoner Bilal Kayed.
The Handhala Center for Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners said the PFLP detainees at the Megiddo and Gilboa lock-ups, in northern Occupied Jerusalem, announced their decision to go on a hunger strike on Wednesday and Thursday.
The center said the move aims at paving the way for a longer hunger strike by all PFLP detainees in protest at Israeli violations of Palestinian prisoners’ rights.
The detainees vowed to step up their protest moves in case the Israeli prison service (IPS) does not end the isolation of prisoner Kayed.
According to the PFLP Israel’s incarceration of prisoner Kayed in solitary lock-downs was carried out under the clichéd security-file-pretext.
The group spoke out against the dire detention circumstances, harsh mistreatment, exhausting inter-prison transfers, and visit bans to which the detainee has been subjected.
The IPS has also been preventing Kayed’s family from providing him with winter clothes with the advent of a freezing weather.
Prisoner Kayed was arrested in 2001 and sentenced to 14 years and a half in jail.
The PFLP’s prisoner movement further expressed its solidarity with hunger-striking journalist Muhammad al-Qeiq, holding the Israeli occupation responsible for al-Qeiq’s life.
Prisoner al-Qeiq initiated his open-ended hunger strike on November 25, 2015 in protest at being held administratively, with neither charge nor trial, in Israeli occupation jails.
The Handhala Center for Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners said the PFLP detainees at the Megiddo and Gilboa lock-ups, in northern Occupied Jerusalem, announced their decision to go on a hunger strike on Wednesday and Thursday.
The center said the move aims at paving the way for a longer hunger strike by all PFLP detainees in protest at Israeli violations of Palestinian prisoners’ rights.
The detainees vowed to step up their protest moves in case the Israeli prison service (IPS) does not end the isolation of prisoner Kayed.
According to the PFLP Israel’s incarceration of prisoner Kayed in solitary lock-downs was carried out under the clichéd security-file-pretext.
The group spoke out against the dire detention circumstances, harsh mistreatment, exhausting inter-prison transfers, and visit bans to which the detainee has been subjected.
The IPS has also been preventing Kayed’s family from providing him with winter clothes with the advent of a freezing weather.
Prisoner Kayed was arrested in 2001 and sentenced to 14 years and a half in jail.
The PFLP’s prisoner movement further expressed its solidarity with hunger-striking journalist Muhammad al-Qeiq, holding the Israeli occupation responsible for al-Qeiq’s life.
Prisoner al-Qeiq initiated his open-ended hunger strike on November 25, 2015 in protest at being held administratively, with neither charge nor trial, in Israeli occupation jails.
Palestinian popular and syndicate parties Tuesday called for conducting sit-ins in solidarity with the Palestinian hunger striking journalist captive Mohammad al-Qeiq who has been fasting for 63 days in protest at his administrative detention with no charge or trial in Israeli jails.
A group of journalists in 1948 Occupied Jerusalem called for a solidarity sit-in Tuesday evening in front of Afula hospital where prisoner Qeiq is being held. Journalists also participated in another sit-in in central Nablus and Ramallah as well as in Gaza.
On the other hand, the Israeli prosecution filed a replying letter to the Secretary of the Israeli Supreme Court prior to the hearing of the appeal session to be held on Wednesday on the case of detainee Qeiq.
In a statement on Tuesday, the head of the legal unit of the Palestinian Prisoners Society lawyer Jawad Boulus said that the letter justified the detention of detainee Qeiq by claiming that he constitutes danger to the security of Israel.
Activists rally outside hospital in solidarity with Palestinian hunger-striker
Dozens of Palestinian citizens and activists rallied on Tuesday evening outside the Afula Hospital in support for the Palestinian hunger-striker Muhammad al-Qeiq, who has been starving in Israeli jails for over a couple of months.
The Israeli police summoned reinforcements and chased down the rally-goers in an attempt to ban access to the hospital.
The rally falls in line with the calls launched by activists in 1948 Occupied Palestine to mobilize mass support for and solidarity with al-Qeiq after his health status has entered a critical stage.
Lawyer Hanan al-Khatib, from the Prisoners and Ex-prisoners’ Committee said after she visited al-Qeiq in the Afula Hospital that his health condition has sharply exacerbated.
She quoted medics at the Afula Hospital as sounding the alarm over the hunger-striker’s critical downturn, warning that they might force-feed him at any possible moment to prevent his death.
Al-Qeiq has firmly been refusing to take vitamins and to undergo medical checks. He has only been drinking water.
Al-Khatib quoted al-Qeiq as stating that he has been engaged in “an Irish hunger-strike”, in reference to a type of protest where the hunger-striker rejects food and vitamins and only drinks water.
The lawyer called on all political and human rights bodies, nationwide and overseas, to urgently intervene and save al-Qeiq’s life before it is too late.
A group of journalists in 1948 Occupied Jerusalem called for a solidarity sit-in Tuesday evening in front of Afula hospital where prisoner Qeiq is being held. Journalists also participated in another sit-in in central Nablus and Ramallah as well as in Gaza.
On the other hand, the Israeli prosecution filed a replying letter to the Secretary of the Israeli Supreme Court prior to the hearing of the appeal session to be held on Wednesday on the case of detainee Qeiq.
In a statement on Tuesday, the head of the legal unit of the Palestinian Prisoners Society lawyer Jawad Boulus said that the letter justified the detention of detainee Qeiq by claiming that he constitutes danger to the security of Israel.
Activists rally outside hospital in solidarity with Palestinian hunger-striker
Dozens of Palestinian citizens and activists rallied on Tuesday evening outside the Afula Hospital in support for the Palestinian hunger-striker Muhammad al-Qeiq, who has been starving in Israeli jails for over a couple of months.
The Israeli police summoned reinforcements and chased down the rally-goers in an attempt to ban access to the hospital.
The rally falls in line with the calls launched by activists in 1948 Occupied Palestine to mobilize mass support for and solidarity with al-Qeiq after his health status has entered a critical stage.
Lawyer Hanan al-Khatib, from the Prisoners and Ex-prisoners’ Committee said after she visited al-Qeiq in the Afula Hospital that his health condition has sharply exacerbated.
She quoted medics at the Afula Hospital as sounding the alarm over the hunger-striker’s critical downturn, warning that they might force-feed him at any possible moment to prevent his death.
Al-Qeiq has firmly been refusing to take vitamins and to undergo medical checks. He has only been drinking water.
Al-Khatib quoted al-Qeiq as stating that he has been engaged in “an Irish hunger-strike”, in reference to a type of protest where the hunger-striker rejects food and vitamins and only drinks water.
The lawyer called on all political and human rights bodies, nationwide and overseas, to urgently intervene and save al-Qeiq’s life before it is too late.
26 jan 2016
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) member Hanan Ashrawi has demanded the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) to immediately and unconditionally release journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq.
In a press release on Monday, Ashrawi called on the IOA to respect Qeiq's legitimate struggle for his freedom and respond to his humanitarian demands, which are protected by the international law.
The PLO official also appealed to international human rights groups and the International Federation of Journalists to intervene to save the life of prisoner Qeiq, who has been on hunger strike for over 60 days in protest at his administrative detention with no guilt.
She stressed the need to hold Israel accountable for its flagrant violation of the international conventions and treaties, especially the fourth Geneva convention, with regard to its use of torture methods against the prisoners and its attempts to silence the Palestinian voice to cover up its crimes and violations against the Palestinians.
She also held the Israeli government and its security apparatuses fully responsible for the life of journalist Qeiq.
El-Qeiq Family appeal to UN rights groups to save son's life
The family of journalist Muhammed Elqeiq has appealed to the United Nations to make immediate efforts to save his life.
Muhammed is reportedly in critical condition in an Israeli jail, having been on hunger strike for 63 days.
The following is a press release distributed by Hammam Elqeiq, Muhammed's brother:
"To whom it may concern:
Dear Sir/Madam
26 January, 2016
I am writing to you on behalf of Palestinian journalist Muhammed El-Qeiq, who is now hanging between life and death in an Israeli jail.
Muhammed, 33, has been on an uninterrupted hunger strike for 63 days in protest against his arbitrary administrative detention by the Israeli authorities.
Muhammed violated no laws, hurled no stones, stabbed no Israelis and didn't engage in any violence. His only "guilt" is practicing his profession.
The Israelis refuse to even spell out charges against him.
According to his lawyer, Muhammed fell unconscious last night.
He is in a clinical state of coma. He is in a critical condition.
Hence, we appeal to you to make every possible effort to save his life.
Please do what you can now because time is very very crucial.
Hamam Elqeiq-lawyer
(His brother)
Dura-West Bank"
Haneyya phones family of journalist Mohamed Qeiq
Deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Ismail Haneyya on Tuesday phoned the family of journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, who has been on hunger strike for 63 days in protest at his administrative detention.
Haneyya consoled the family of journalist Qeiq and affirmed his Movement's support for his heroic struggle for his freedom.
The Hamas official also said that his Movement always urges Palestinian and international human rights groups to assume their responsibilities towards the issue of prisoner Qeiq.
In a related context, the Palestinian foreign ministry said it had instructed its embassies to necessarily intensify diplomatic moves and hold meetings with foreign ministers, politicians and public opinion leaders as well as human rights groups to raise the issue of journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq and pressure for his immediate release.
In a press release on Monday, Ashrawi called on the IOA to respect Qeiq's legitimate struggle for his freedom and respond to his humanitarian demands, which are protected by the international law.
The PLO official also appealed to international human rights groups and the International Federation of Journalists to intervene to save the life of prisoner Qeiq, who has been on hunger strike for over 60 days in protest at his administrative detention with no guilt.
She stressed the need to hold Israel accountable for its flagrant violation of the international conventions and treaties, especially the fourth Geneva convention, with regard to its use of torture methods against the prisoners and its attempts to silence the Palestinian voice to cover up its crimes and violations against the Palestinians.
She also held the Israeli government and its security apparatuses fully responsible for the life of journalist Qeiq.
El-Qeiq Family appeal to UN rights groups to save son's life
The family of journalist Muhammed Elqeiq has appealed to the United Nations to make immediate efforts to save his life.
Muhammed is reportedly in critical condition in an Israeli jail, having been on hunger strike for 63 days.
The following is a press release distributed by Hammam Elqeiq, Muhammed's brother:
"To whom it may concern:
Dear Sir/Madam
26 January, 2016
I am writing to you on behalf of Palestinian journalist Muhammed El-Qeiq, who is now hanging between life and death in an Israeli jail.
Muhammed, 33, has been on an uninterrupted hunger strike for 63 days in protest against his arbitrary administrative detention by the Israeli authorities.
Muhammed violated no laws, hurled no stones, stabbed no Israelis and didn't engage in any violence. His only "guilt" is practicing his profession.
The Israelis refuse to even spell out charges against him.
According to his lawyer, Muhammed fell unconscious last night.
He is in a clinical state of coma. He is in a critical condition.
Hence, we appeal to you to make every possible effort to save his life.
Please do what you can now because time is very very crucial.
Hamam Elqeiq-lawyer
(His brother)
Dura-West Bank"
Haneyya phones family of journalist Mohamed Qeiq
Deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Ismail Haneyya on Tuesday phoned the family of journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, who has been on hunger strike for 63 days in protest at his administrative detention.
Haneyya consoled the family of journalist Qeiq and affirmed his Movement's support for his heroic struggle for his freedom.
The Hamas official also said that his Movement always urges Palestinian and international human rights groups to assume their responsibilities towards the issue of prisoner Qeiq.
In a related context, the Palestinian foreign ministry said it had instructed its embassies to necessarily intensify diplomatic moves and hold meetings with foreign ministers, politicians and public opinion leaders as well as human rights groups to raise the issue of journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq and pressure for his immediate release.
