Islamic Movement fasts 'to identify with starving Palestinians'

"The occupation is to blame and Israel carries full responsibility for that is taking place," a message by the movement said.

The statement said that "the arrest of ministers, parliament members, and Palestinian mayors is proof that there is no place for Palestinian sovereignty in the lexicon of the Israeli government. Therefore, it is no wonder that the 'there is no partner' melody is heard over and over again."

Before releasing the statement, the northern branch of the Islamic movement in Israel announced a day of fasting to identify with "our besieged Palestinian people."

The fast is expected to end at around 8 p.m. with a meal at the Temple Mount, during which the head of the northern branch of the movement, Sheikh Raad Salah, is expected to address recent developments.

'Fast decided on before outbreak of current crisis'

The symbolic fast was described as "a step to identify and show empathy towards the siege and ongoing starvation which are befalling the Palestinian people."

Sheikh Salah is expected to pray "for the saving of the Palestinian people under ongoing and increasingly harsh Israeli attack."

The Islamic movement has called on all of its supporters to join the fast.

In a conversation with Ynet, however, members of the movement said the day of fasting was decided weeks ago, before the outbreak of the current crisis, and that it is not linked to the current situation but to the general situation in the territories.