PA allocates 1 million NIS for prisoners during Ramadan
Published today (updated) 31/08/2009 18:09
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Ramallah - Ma'an - The Palestinian Authority will allocate 1 million shekels
for prisoners in Israel during the Ramadan holiday, according to a decision
taken at the caretaker government's weekly cabinet meeting on Monday.

The cabinet announced in a statement that it was aware of cases of assaults
by Israeli prison guards, in general, and insisted that attacks in the jails
do not cease even during Ramadan.

It condemned the humiliating treatment of detainees and allegations of
medical neglect in Israel's prison administration, calling on human rights
organizations to intervene and work toward better treatment of jailed
Palestinians. The statement cited solitary confinement as a violation of
"every human right," and said such cruel and unusual punishment ought to be
banned.

Meanwhile, ministers applauded the Palestinian National Council for holding
an emergency session to add new members to the Palestine Liberation
Organization's Executive Committee last week, wishing the winners success
and encouraging them to keep up the fight for Palestinian rights.

The cabinet asserted that the Palestinian people were facing particularly
serious challenges that necessitate action, especially on the state of
disunity between the West Bank and Gaza Strip since 2007. It urged both
sides to unite as one to "achieve the right of return of Palestinian
refugees, regain the right of self-determination, and establish an
independent state with Jerusalem as its rightful capital."

Ministers congratulated Saudi King Abdullah after his son survived a suicide
bombing last week, and condemned such acts of senseless violence.

They also condemned Hamas' alleged ban on Fatah-affiliated doctors working
in the Gaza's Health Ministry.

Finally, the cabinet announced that winter time would begin at midnight on 4
September.