Father of detained Jihad leader starts hunger strike

The father of imprisoned Islamic Jihad Khader Adnan announced Monday that he will hold an open ended hunger-strike to show solidarity with his son. Jihad leader Khader Adnan entered his 51st day on hunger-strike on Monday and his condition has been described as serious. Musa Adnan told Ma'an that going on hunger strike would enable him to support his son and understand his pain. The Jihad leader was taken to hospital last Sunday by Israeli authorities and has transferred medical facilities at least three times. His lawyer said Sunday that Adnan's health is deteriorating rapidly and he has been vomiting repeatedly. Israeli authorities on Monday transferred Adnan to another hospital in northern Israel as he entered the 51st day of a hunger strike. He is now being held in Zeif hospital in Safed, his lawyers told a prisoners group in Gaza, adding that prison authorities were trying to obstruct legal visits to prevent the seriousness of his condition being revealed. Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian prisoner's society said a protest will be held on Tuesday in support of Adnan and lawyers will boycott Israeli military courts. Supporters have called for five minutes work and traffic-stoppage at noon, and marches toward West Bank city centers in solidarity with Adnan. On Friday, minister of prisoners affairs Issa Qaraqe said detainees in Israeli jails launched a disobedience campaign to support the Jihad leader, returning food, and refusing outdoor breaks and medical treatment. Adnan, who was detained from his Jenin-district home on Dec. 17, is protesting his treatment by Israeli prison authorities and the practice of detention without charge. On Jan. 8, Israel issued an administrative order to extend his detention for four months without trial or charge. Adnan is appealing the order, and appeared at a hearing in Ofer military court on Wednesday in a wheelchair, but a verdict has yet to be given. There are currently 307 Palestinians in administrative detention -- without charge -- in Israeli jails.