60 hunger striking prisoners evacuated to hospitals
Seven prisoners hospitalized, remainder returned to prison; Barghouti not among those evacuated for poor medical condition.
As part of routine procedures for the supervision of prisoners on hunger strikes, Israel Prison Service (IPS) physicians have been regularly performing medical examinations on prisoners.
Following examinations at the prisons of Ohalei Kedar, Ela, Eshel, Shikma, Hadarim and Nitzan on Monday night, several prisoners were transferred to various hospitals throughout the country.
Seven prisoners were admitted, 11 underwent further testing and the remaining prisoners were returned to their respective prisons.
The prisoners' hunger strike entered its fifth week on Sunday. About 850 Palestinian security prisoners are currently on strike and it is estimated that dozens more will need to be evacuated to hospitals.
Marwan Barghouti, one of the leaders of the strike, has not yet needed hospital treatment.
In solidarity with striking prisoners, stores and government offices throughout the West Bank closed down on Monday, while public transportation ground to a halt and main thoroughfares in Palestinian cities were empty of people and cars.
The Palestinian prisoners' affairs committee called for a "Day of Rage" on Tuesday, when Trump visits the West Bank town Bethlehem, for "the voice of the prisoners to be heard by the president."
Said Masarwa, a resident of Wadi Ara, said, "We all support the just struggle of the prisoners and we will continue to do so until the Israeli government stops humiliating them. Everyone should know that the prisoners are our greatest heroes and we are prepared to do everything for them without giving up. It is not right for prevent prisoners from meeting their families and treat them in such a cruel way. "
(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
