Israeli occupation forces attacked and assaulted a Palestinian prisoner in Esehl prison on Friday evening, February 3, 2023.

The Palestinian commission of detainees and ex-detainees reported that Israeli forces assaulted the Palestinian prisoner Zakaria Al-Zubaidi, sparking tension in the prison facility.

The commission added that Palestinian prisoners expressed their solidarity with Al-Zubaidi. They also decided to go on a hunger strike to protest against the Israeli systematic attacks against prisoners.

Al-Zubaidi, 46, is one of 6 Palestinian prisoners who managed to escape the Galbou prison in 2021. Israeli occupation forces re-arrested him and sentenced him to five years in prison.

For the 19th day in a row, Palestinian prisoners continue to protest against the Israeli repressive measures and restrictions, demanding their freedom.

Israeli occupation authorities have imposed new restrictions on Palestinian prisoners. The measures included reducing the prisoners’ use of water and bread, increasing search operations, and depriving prisoners of treatment.

These unjust measures were taken by the Israeli new government which has been tightening its grip on Palestinian prisoners since the start of 2023.

Earlier in February, a statement by the High National Emergency Committee for Palestinian Prisoners pointed out that prisoners will continue disobedience and go through an open-ended hunger strike by the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

Palestinian figures showed that about 4,780 Palestinian prisoners, affected by Israel’s punitive measures, are held inside Israeli jails, including 160 children, and 29 females.