Ramallah, October 13 (RHC)-- Thirty Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails started an open-ended hunger strike Tuesday in solidarity with their fellow prisoner Maher al-Akhras, who has been on a hunger strike for 79 days in a row. 

Al-Akhras, is protesting his imprisonment without charge or trial under Israel’s so-called administrative detention policy. The Palestinian Prisoners' Society has warned his health condition is quickly deteriorating and that he is in critical condition.

On Monday, he rejected a proposal by the Israeli High Court, which recommended his release from prison by November 26 if he ends his hunger strike. The court has not promised his release.

Demonstrations and sit-ins continue to be held across the occupied West Bank in solidarity with al-Akhras. Protesters from across the political spectrum have urged international human rights groups to pressure Israeli authorities to immediately release al-Akhras, amid his deteriorating health after his transfer to Israel’s Kablan hospital. 

Prisoner advocacy groups report that over 4500 Palestinian inmates remain in Israeli jails. Hundreds of them are held without any charge or trial. 

Palestinians say their solidarity activities with Maher al-Akhras are aimed to tell him he’s not alone and to give him a glimmer of hope until retaining his legal rights behind Israeli bars.