Palestinians strike in support of prisoners as Trump arrives in Israel

Many shops, restaurants, government institutions, and schools are closed in the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza.

By ADAM RASGON
Updated: MAY 22, 2017 17:41
Palestinians go on general strike in solidarity with prisoners held in Israel
On the same day US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel, many Palestinians observed a general strike in support of hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli prisons.
Many shops, restaurants, government institutions, and schools were closed in the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza. A number of Arab-Israelis also participated in the strike.
“The primary goal is to show that all Palestinians in historic Palestine are standing together behind the hunger-striking prisoners,” said Isam Bakr, a member of a committee that organized the strike.
Hundreds of hunger-striking prisoners are demanding that  Israel Prison Service end solitary confinement and administrative detention, increase visitation rights, and improve amenities.
Bakr added that the timing of the strike is no coincidence.
“We timed this strike to take place upon the arrival of Trump,” Bakr said. “We want to send a message to the American president that he has to pressure Israel to end its settlement construction and occupation.”
The West Bank also witnessed clashes on Monday at a number friction points between the IDF and Palestinians including the Qalandia checkpoint, the eastern side of Qalqiliya, and Nabi Salih.
Trump will be visiting Bethlehem tomorrow morning to meet with PA President Mahmoud Abbas. Some protests are expected to take place around the Palestinian territories on Tuesday when Trump will visit Bethlehem to meet with PA President Mahmoud Abbas.