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The Addameer Prisoner Support group said "Bilal's life-threatening condition includes sharp weight loss, concern for peripheral nerve damage, extremely low pulse (39 beats per minute) and blood pressure, severe dehydration, and possible internal bleeding."Thaer's condition is also grave. Besides considerable weight loss and upper back pain, other symptoms "indicate inflammation of the pleura (membrane around the lungs) or even a blood clot, which can be lethal without proper medical attention."
Despite their dire condition, they've been treated harshly. In violation of medical ethics, a prison service doctor is involved. Jamil Al-Khatib, providing both men legal counsel, was denied permission to see them. He was told to submit a "special request" to Israel Prison Service (IPS) legal advisors.
Israel obstructs, delays and spurns international law to deny Palestinians justice.
Family visits were also denied. Addameer said:
"The IPS continues to employ every obstacle at its disposal in preventing access for lawyers and doctors to hunger striking prisoners. These tactics are designed to isolate the hunger strikers as much as possible from trusted sources of support and medical information, in complete disregard to their most urgent condition."
Israel treats Palestinians contemptuously. Detainees, of course, suffer most. International law principles are violated. The Geneva Conventions Common Article 3 requires noncombatants "in all circumstances be treated humanely."
Violence to life and person is prohibited. So is humiliating and degrading treatment. "The wounded and sick must be cared for."
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) states "(a)ll persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person (Article 10)."
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