Hunger striking is not a new form of protest, but it is no less effective today than it was when Mahatma Gandhi used it against the British occupation. In the past, terrorists imprisoned in Israel who were willing to take their hunger strike to the end were eventually released under the guise of a medical discharge. Israel preferred this then to permitting them to die in prison and address the consequences of such an occurrence.

The Knesset Interior Committee held a session this week to address the growing number of terrorists who have joined the hunger strike, some already hospitalized due to their weakened condition. The committee voted to amend the law to compel physicians to force feed the hunger strikers to keep them alive.

The Israel Medical Association was quick to release a statement condemning the decision. The IMA points out the World Health Organization opposes forced feeding and numerous conventions on the matter have been adopted by Western medical organizations.

It is pointed out that it is most difficult contending with a political hunger striker who simply will not cooperate. One option is to infuse nutrients via an intravenous route, but this is accompanied by concerns of infection and the realization the patient must be restrained or he will yank out the IV. The other option, which is preferred, is feeding via a nasal gastric tube from one’s nostril into one’s esophagus to one’s stomach. However if a patient refuses to swallow during insertion, as is the case here, then the patient endures considerable suffering. Once again, here too the hands would have to be tied. The IMA feels this is not the role of a physician and seeking to place a doctor between medical ethics and a government decision creates an untenable situation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)