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.”

BBC World Service’s World Football interviews Mahmoud Sarsak, father of Mahmoud Sarsak, the Palestinian national football squad member whose life is at grave risk after 75 days hunger strike.

News and analysis culled from our top stories of the week, including an interview with our reporter Rami Almeghari in the Gaza Strip.

The father of Mahmoud Sarsak, a member of the Palestinian national football team jailed without charge or trial by Israel for almost three years, has called on the sporting world to speak out for his son who remains on hunger strike. Meanwhile Israel already violating deal that ended mass hunger strike.

Details of the Israeli concessions that ended an historic 28-day mass hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and the more than two-month hunger strikes of several prisoners, emerged today.