Samer Tariq Issawi

Samer Issawi (cropped)

Samer Tariq Issawi is a Palestinian political activist and former prisoner. He is known for his prolonged hunger strike in protest against his detention by Israeli authorities. Issawi's case has drawn significant international attention and has become a symbol of the Palestinian struggle for freedom and human rights.

Early Life

Samer Tariq Issawi was born in the village of Issawiya, located in East Jerusalem. He grew up in a politically active family, with several members involved in the Palestinian resistance movement. Issawi's early life was marked by the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which influenced his political views and activism.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike

Issawi was first arrested by Israeli authorities in 2002 during the Second Intifada. He was sentenced to 26 years in prison for his involvement in armed activities against Israeli targets. However, he was released in October 2011 as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal, in which over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners were freed in exchange for the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

In July 2012, Issawi was re-arrested by Israeli authorities for allegedly violating the terms of his release by traveling to the West Bank. In response to his re-arrest, Issawi began a hunger strike on August 1, 2012, which lasted for 266 days, one of the longest hunger strikes in history. His protest aimed to draw attention to the plight of Palestinian prisoners and the conditions of their detention.

International Response

Issawi's hunger strike garnered widespread international support and media coverage. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, called for his release and highlighted the harsh conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners. Protests and solidarity actions were held in various countries, emphasizing the global concern for Issawi's health and the broader issue of Palestinian detainees.

Release and Aftermath

On April 23, 2013, Issawi ended his hunger strike after reaching an agreement with Israeli authorities for his release. He was subsequently freed on December 23, 2013. Following his release, Issawi continued to be an active voice in the Palestinian struggle, advocating for the rights of prisoners and the end of Israeli occupation.

Legacy

Samer Tariq Issawi's hunger strike remains a significant event in the history of Palestinian resistance. His determination and sacrifice have inspired many within the Palestinian community and beyond. Issawi's case continues to be a reference point in discussions about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

See Also

• Israeli–Palestinian conflict
• Palestinian prisoners in Israel
• Hunger strike
• Second Intifada
• Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange