hunger strike

Eric Cantona, FIFA join international pressure on Israel to free Mahmoud Sarsak as the footballer’s life remains in grave danger and his hunger strike continues.

FIFPro, the association representing professional footballers in dozens of countries, called on Israel immediately to release Mahmoud Sarsak, a Palestinian football player who has been on hunger strike since March to protest his detention for three years without charge or trial by Israel.

The author writes this article while sitting in the darkness during the a Gaza power cut and, with the inspiration of Mahmoud Darwish’s words, remembers the Palestinian political detainees, especially Dirar Abu Sisi and Mahmoud Sarsak.

In this week’s podcast, updates on the continuing hunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners as Israel reneges on recent agreements; West Bank villagers are determined to stay on their land; BDS news, and much more!

For the first time since their hunger strikes began, an independent doctor has been allowed to visit Mahmoud Sarsak and Akram Rikhawi in Israeli jail, confirming the imminent danger to their lives. Sarsak, once a star athlete, now weighs a little over 100 pounds (51kg) and is close to death.

As his condition grows ever more desperate, the mother of jailed, hunger-striking Palestinian footballer Mahmoud Sarsak has appealed for his release and safe return home

“There is still enough time and the support that comes late is better than that which does not come at all. It is better that you receive us alive and victorious rather than as lifeless bodies in black bags.”