Security prisoners, the official Israeli name for “terrorists” imprisoned in Israel, decided to set their cells on fire after prison officials began jamming cellular telephone signals towards blocking use of phones smuggled into prison. The report states all of the prisoners are affiliated with Hamas and serving sentences in the Rimon Prison in southern Israel. Mattresses in 14 cells were set ablaze in the act of protest, which was the culmination of weeks of protest.

The Israel Prison Service has decided to begin cracking down on the use of cellular telephones by imprisoned terrorists by blocking signals, since they are not permitted to have cell phones. Prison officials seem to be cognizant of the fact that their best efforts do not totally prevent the smuggling of phones to the Hamas terrorists. The imprisoned terrorists have in the past used cell phones to continue orchestrating acts of terror in Israel.

There have been protests over recent weeks by the prisoners over the new policy, which reached a peak last Tuesday, when the mattresses were set ablaze. Officials saw smoke at about 6:00PM and responded quickly, leading to the evacuation of 88 prisoners. There are no reports of injuries.

Prison officials insist they remain in control and those responsible for the fires will face severe punishment.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)