Demonstrations are drawing participation from a wide cross-section of the Palestinian street

Major Palestinian cities were brought to a standstill from 6pm yesterday as demonstrations were held demanding the immediate release of Palestinian journalist, Mohammad al-Qeq, on the 78th day of his hunger strike.

Across Palestine, daily actions are being implemented supporting al-Qeq. Earlier this week, the headquarters of both the International Red Cross and the UN in Ramallah were closed down temporarily by activists. Similar direct actions have been implemented by Gaza-based activists and solidarity tents have also been erected in every city in the West Bank.

Released political prisoner Khader Adnan, who in 2012 famously carried out a 66 day hunger strike whilst himself being held under Administrative Detention, has been coordinating actions in Ramallah. Adnan has been welcoming visitors and groups of school children to the solidarity tent – few people are better positioned to describe the struggles and suffering of which Mohammad al-Qeq is currently in the midst.

National demonstrations were called to be held collectively at 6pm in every city yesterday. In contrast to previous static events, the protests marched through city streets amidst angry chants demanding Al-Qeq’s release. In Ramallah, several hundred protesters looped around the city centre for close to two hours.

Within the last week, Al-Qeq has refused an Israeli offer to be released in May, instead choosing to continue his hunger strike and demand his immediate release.

It has been reported that Al-Qeq is no longer able to speak due to the severity of his physical deterioration.