OIC backs strike of Palestinian prisoners in Israel

By Hamza Tekin

ANKARA

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) called Monday for internationalizing the issue of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners began a mass hunger strike earlier Monday against Israel's detention policies.

This strike "comes amid aggressive and inhumane Israeli measures and deprivation of basic rights," the OIC said in a statement.

The open-ended strike was launched to mark Palestinian Prisoners Day amid calls by detainees for the resumption of prison visits, better medical care and better treatment of female prisoners.

OIC Secretary-General Yusuf bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen underlined the organization's support for the demands of Palestinian detainees.

He went on to highlight the importance of "internationalizing the issue of Palestinian detainees in international arena and exposing the racist policies of Israeli occupation against them".

The OIC chief called on the international community to "act to force Israel to abide by international humanitarian law, Geneva Conventions and international charters".

There are around 6,500 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons, according to Palestinian figures.