The Arab security prisoner who launched a hunger strike over two months ago, Muhmad Alaan, remains hospitalized in Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon. He was giving nutrition against his will when he condition became life threatening. He has since regained consciousness and he is interacting with his surroundings.

When he awakened earlier this week he informed doctors he will no longer accept nourishment, resuming his hunger strike. Doctors at Barzilai announced they will honor his request.

Since awakening Alaan, who is the subject of a High Court of Justice petition for his early release, informed the media he will not accept the terms of the early release. Israeli officials told the High Court the state will not object to his early release providing he agrees to move to a destination abroad for at least four years. Alaan, who is determined to continue his hunger strike to the death to protest his administrative detention, refuses to sign accepting any conditions for early release. It appears he prefers to die as a prisoner to make his point.

Israeli authorities fear his death would spark widespread violence, hence the willingness to agree to a conditional early release.

His condition on Tuesday morning 4 Elul is described as serious by hospital officials.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)