Hundreds demand Palestinian prisoners release in Nazareth

Hundreds attended a Nazareth ceremony marking the Palestinian "Prisoner Day," in solidarity with Palestinians jailed in Israel and their families on Friday evening.

Former administrative detainee Mukhlas Burgal, released in the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, said: "We support the administrative detainees' just cause and we'll continue to fight for them to the end."

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Several other former detainees attended the ceremony, as well as Knesset Members Jamal Zahalka and Basel Ghattas from the Balad party.

Prisoner Day events in Nazareth (Photo: Al-Arab website)

Participants hoisted Palestinian flags and photographs of prisoners, demanded their release and an end to their alleged abuse.

"Prisoner abuse will not deter us," Burgal said. "It strengthens our position and our solidarity with the prisoners and their hunger strikes."

Marah Younes from the Wadi Ara area, speaking on behalf of her father, administrative detainee Karim Younes, said: "I'm very proud of my jailed father, and he sends his blessing to all of you.

"He says the prisoners are strong and will remain so until their goal is attained. They will not give up."

The mother of one of the detainees told Ynet Israel makes it difficult for family and relatives to visit prisoners in jail: "They take no consideration for us, as old and sick parents. It's hard for us to withstand these conditions.

"I hope to embrace my imprisoned son before I die."

MK Zahalka said: "All prisoners from before the Oslo Accords must be released. Without this – the negotiations will not be renewed. Prisoner release isn't a demand but a Palestinian precondition to negotiations."

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