Hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails are beginning a mass hunger strike in protest against their conditions. According to Israel's prison service, 1,187 Palestinians in Israeli prisons are joining the hunger strike, which coincides with the annual Palestinian Prisoners Day. The issue of Palestinians held in Israeli jails is an ongoing source of tension between the two sides. Palestinians regard the detainees as political prisoners, many of whom have been convicted of attacks against Israeli and other offences. There were about 7,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails by the end of last year, according to Palestinian prisoners' groups.

Source: The Star April 17, 2017 07:41 UTC