Anderson condemns treatment of Palestinian prisoners

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has condemned the treatment of Palestinian prisoners currently on hunger strike in Israeli jails.

Martina Anderson said:

"More than 1,500 Palestinian political prisoners are currently on hunger strike in Israeli prisons, and they have now been joined by leading Palestinian activist, Leila Khaled.

"Various human rights organisations have stated that the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, violates international law.

"Prisoners have been denied access to legal representation, many have been locked in solitary confinement, access to vital medical services is not adequate and family visits are only permitted twice a month.

"The international community must take action to put pressure on Israel to grant the demands of the Palestinian hunger strikers. If action is not taken as soon as possible, to put an end to the injustices faced by these prisoners, more people will die on hunger strike.

"The EU should now move to suspend the EU - Israel Association Agreement act while Israel continues to violate the rights of the Palestinian people."