Palestinian security prisoners declared on Friday their intention to start a hunger strike, protesting restrictions initiated by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, as per Hebrew media sources.
The prisoners indicated that the strike would commence on September 14.
Earlier Friday, Ben Gvir declared that Palestinian security prisoners would now be permitted family visits only once every two months, reducing the previous allowance of monthly visits.
This decision was met with opposition from the Shin Bet security service and the Israel Prison Service. Both institutions cautioned that this might exacerbate the prevailing tense security environment in Israel.
Ben Gvir slammed both organizations, saying that they “are not showing determination in the face of the security prisoners.”
“The prison service doesn’t have the option of not abiding by the law and prison service orders that designate that family visits will be once every two months,” the far-right minister added.
While the official policy of the prison service designates visits every two months, over recent years, monthly visits have been the norm. This was facilitated through collaborations with the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories and the Red Cross.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir (C), wearing at least partial uniform for unknown reasons, and Police Chief Kobi Shabtai (R) visit a Border Police training base, August 1, 2023 (Border Police)
Among his hardline political positions, Ben Gvir has often spoken out against providing Palestinians convicted of terror-related offenses with comfortable conditions. He has also said he will propose legislation to allow for the death penalty for certain terror offenses.
Earlier this year he sought to crack down on shower times and instructed the removal of ovens used to bake pitas. The latter earned him the derisive nickname of “the pita minister” by members of the opposition, who contended he was focusing on public relations rather than substantive policies.
Last month Palestinian prisoners threatened a hunger strike over authorities’ policies in prisons, including the transfers of various prisoners and other limitations on their living conditions, but eventually did not make good on it.
