Hunger-striking terrorists imprisoned in Israel are in week two of their efforts. Several hundred convicted terrorists have joined the effort led by prisoner Marwan Barghouti, the Fatah Tanzim leader.

In an effort to prevent hunger-strikers from coordinating with one another, prison service officials have blocked cellular telephone reception in the Western Negev, where the Ketziot and Nafcha Prisons are located.

According to the Yisrael Hayom News report, Jewish communities in the area have been impacted by the move to block cell reception too, including area farmers. A local regional council leader has been in touch with Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, calling upon him to undo the action of the prison authority immediately. It was explained to the minister that the interruption of service also impacts irrigation and other advanced systems, which are activated by using cell phones. Hence, the blockage of the signal has sorely interfered with farmers’ ability to carry one business as usual.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)