The Palestinian Prisoners’ Movement: the struggle behind bars

Palestinian prisoners raise victory signs. – Art: Midhun Puthupattu The issue of prisoners is a cornerstone of the Palestinian liberation struggle and a driver of major uprisings against the Israeli occupation by Aseel Saleh Over 10,000 Palestinians are currently imprisoned in Israel. The issue of Palestinian prisoners has come to the fore amid the ongoing genocidal violence in Gaza, becoming both a central demand in the on-and-off ceasefire talks and a tool for Israeli forces in their attempts to suppress resistance in Gaza and the West Bank. Hand in hand with this history of repression stands the vibrant Palestinian Prisoners’ Movement, which has mobilized the masses, shaped public opinion, and contributed to pivotal political, cultural and social events, including Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on Oct. 7, 2023. Over the past year, reports from Palestinian political prisoners have highlighted ongoing abuse and torture by Israeli soldiers. Despite this, the prisoners’ movement remains resilient, drawing strength from its long history in the liberation struggle. This article explores the movement’s history, the repression it has faced and Israel’s decades-long efforts to dismantle it. History and achievements According to Palestinian historian, writer and former prisoner Raafat Hamdouna, the roots of the movement go back to...