Challenging Israeli State Terror

by Stephen Lendman

Among other methods, lawlessly imprisoned Palestinians do it by hunger striking. Khader Adnan got world attention. He endured 66 days before Israel agreed to release him on April 17. He continues struggling to regain health and survive.

On March 30, Hana Shalabi's 43rd hunger strike day began. She also got widespread attention. Courageous struggles for justice draw support. At times, good news follows.

On March 30, Maan News headlined, "Officials say deal reached to free Hana Shalabi," saying:

Knowledgeable officials told Maan late Thursday she'll be sent to Gaza "in exchange for giving up a 43-day strike against Israel's policy of holding detainees without charge."

The Palestinian Prisoners Society confirmed the deal. In a statement, it praised Hana's resolve. It thanked her for drawing wide attention to Israeli lawlessness and brutal treatment of detainees. PPS head Qadoura Fares said Hana agreed to terms even though "(w)e reject deportation, but this is her decision and her own life."

Hana's lawyer, Jawad Boulos, also confirmed the agreement. One Palestinian source said it was reached "after Palestinian officials and (the ICRC) intervened to confirm (she) approved."

PA civil affairs minister, Hussein al-Sheikh, said Fatah's leadership wasn't involved in negotiations. An unnamed Israeli official said "I am aware there were negotiations of that sort" with no further elaboration.

Human rights groups and Palestinian rights activists universally condemn Israel's repressive occupation, including lawlessly imprisoning Palestinians uncharged.

On March 29, Addameer and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHR-I) said they couldn't confirm reports of Hana's release. They've had no direct contact with her for confirmation.

They're mostly concerned with her health and "high danger on her life....used in order to threaten her to take the sole option of" deportation to live.

Addameer, PHR-I, and other human rights organizations oppose forcible deportation. Doing so violates international law. It's also "part of an Israeli policy that is not new."

Yet Israel systematically and ruthlessly persecutes Palestinians lawlessly, including "deport(ing them) from their homes and separat(ing them) from their loved ones."

Marwan Barghouti remains a prisoner of conscience. On April 14, 2002, he was arrested on spurious charges of murder, aiding and abetting murder, promoting murder, criminal conspiracy, and being an active member of a terrorist organization.

At the time he said:

"I am a political leader, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, elected by my people. Israel has no right to try me, to accuse me, to judge me. This is a violation of international law. I have a (legal) right to resist occupation."

Nonetheless, he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to five consecutive life sentences plus 40 years. He still manages to speak out.

In a Monday letter from Hadarim Prison, he urged widespread resistance against Israel's repressive occupation, saying:

"The Palestinian Authority must stop all coordination with Israel – economic and security – and work toward Palestinian reconciliation."

"It must be understood that there is no partner for peace in Israel when the settlements have doubled. It is the Palestinian people's right to oppose the occupation in all means, and the resistance must be focused on the 1967 territories."

He also urged boycotting all Israeli products and supporting Palestinian ones. In a January 2011 letter, he said:

"The peace process had failed and ended there is no longer any point to make desperate attempts to breathe life into the dead body and the need to move towards (a new) Palestinian strategy...."

He also called on "all parties and factions and leaders to work with sincerity and seriousness for the implementation of the (Fatah/Hamas) Agreement of Reconciliation" for a united front against Israeli repression.

He thanked everyone working for Palestinian liberation, independence and full sovereignty.

"Long live the Palestinian people,

Long live the movement of the “Open” … Long live the unity

Yes to resist the occupation and settlements

Yes to freedom, independence and return

Glory to the martyrs and healing to the wounded and freedom for the prisoners

Brother

Marwan Barghouti"

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

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