Ramallah, April 20 (RHC)-- As many as 1,500 Palestinian prisoners are now on hunger strike in eight separate Israeli jails.  Israeli prison officials have moved to retaliate against strike leader Marwan Barghouti, moving him to another prison and placing him in solitary confinement.

In a New York Times op-ed, Barghouti wrote: "Israel has established a dual legal regime, a form of judicial apartheid, that provides virtual impunity for Israelis who commit crimes against Palestinians, while criminalizing Palestinian presence and resistance. Israel's courts are a charade of justice, clearly instruments of colonial, military occupation."

On Monday, Palestinians rallied in support of the hunger strikers in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.  The protesters were attacked by Israeli security forces.  Among those to speak out in support of the hunger strikers was former Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan.

Khader Adnan said: "When prisoners go on hunger strike, they feel the freedom.  It is a way to resist the occupation.  We can win the battle against occupation with our empty stomachs.  And it is a message to the international community and the free people in the world that Palestinians seek freedom."