GUE/NGL MEP Martina Anderson has called for urgent action to be taken as hunger-striking Palestinian journalist Mohammad Al-Qeeq nears death.

Ms Anderson, who chairs the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine, said:

“Al-Qeeq began his hunger strike 84 days ago in a protest against his arbitrary imprisonment by Israeli authorities without any charges or trial.

“His health has deteriorated severely, and his weight has fallen below 30kg. He is now suffering painful cramps and possibly heart attacks, and it is feared that he could die at any time.

“Yesterday, the Israeli high court refused Al-Qeeq's request to be moved to Al-Makassed hospital in the West Bank, and he continues to be held against his will.

“I call upon the European Union to intervene and apply the utmost pressure on the Israeli Government to free Mohammed Al-Qeeq and to ensure that he receives urgent medical attention in the hospital of his choosing.

“The European Union should suspend its Association Agreement with Israel until it complies with international law.

“The international community must also pressure Israeli authorities to end their systematic use of what they call 'administrative detention'.”

“Israel’s use of ‘administration detention’ against Palestinians is what we knew in Ireland as internment without trial, which many republican prisoners were subjected to during the conflict in the north.

“Israel continues to use it as a form of collective punishment against the Palestinian people.”

“Protests have been held around the world to call for Al-Qeeq's freedom. Palestinian prisoner solidarity group Samidoun is organising a protest in Brussels tomorrow, February 17, at 3:30pm at Schuman roundabout. I strongly encourage everyone to attend.”

The hastag for the protest is #freealqeeq

For details about the protest, please click here