Israeli authorities release senior Hamas figure

The Israeli authorities released last night Adnan Asfour, a leader in Hamas movement in the West Bank, according to Hamas statement. The longest serving Palestinian prisoner, has been held under administrative detention for 40 months. He was detained by Israeli forces on March 9, 2009, and has been imprisoned for a total of six years during his life, having been arrested by Israeli forces on 16 separate occasions. The Senior Hamas figure had been held by Israeli authorities for over three years without being charged for a crime, director of Ahrar center for prisoners Fuad al-Khafsh said Saturday, according to Palestinian . He participated in a recent mass hunger strike campaign by prisoners, while occupation authorities extended his detention nine times back-to-back with no consideration to his health conditions. There are at least 300 people, including 22 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, currently being held under administrative detention, according to Addameer prisoners group.