Mahmoud Sarsak

Mahmoud Sarsak

Mahmoud Sarsak is a Palestinian footballer and former political prisoner who gained international attention for his prolonged hunger strike while detained by Israel. He was born on January 20, 1987, in the Rafah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.

Early Life and Career

Mahmoud Sarsak began his football career at a young age, showing significant talent and promise. He played for the Palestine national football team and was considered one of the rising stars in Palestinian football. Sarsak's skills on the field earned him a spot in the national team, where he represented Palestine in various international matches.

Arrest and Detention

In July 2009, while traveling from Gaza to the West Bank to join his new football club, Balata Youth Center, Sarsak was arrested by Israeli authorities at the Erez Crossing. He was detained under the Israeli administrative detention policy, which allows for imprisonment without charge or trial. Sarsak was accused of being a member of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, a charge he denied.

Hunger Strike and International Support

In March 2012, after nearly three years of detention without trial, Sarsak began a hunger strike to protest his imprisonment. His hunger strike lasted for 92 days, during which he lost a significant amount of weight and his health deteriorated severely. Sarsak's plight drew international attention and support from various human rights organizations, athletes, and public figures.

Prominent figures such as Eric Cantona, Sepp Blatter, and FIFPro (the international federation of professional footballers) called for his release. The campaign highlighted the issue of administrative detention and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Release and Aftermath

On July 10, 2012, following extensive international pressure and negotiations, Mahmoud Sarsak was released from Israeli detention. His release was celebrated by many in Palestine and around the world. After his release, Sarsak continued to advocate for the rights of Palestinian prisoners and spoke out against the conditions they face.

Legacy

Mahmoud Sarsak's story is a significant example of the intersection between sports and politics. His hunger strike and subsequent release brought attention to the broader issues of administrative detention and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. Sarsak remains a symbol of resilience and the struggle for justice within the Palestinian community.

See Also

• Palestine national football team
• Administrative detention
• Hunger strike
• Israeli–Palestinian conflict
• Human rights in Israel and the Palestinian territories