Bethlehem: Activities for the international campaign calling for the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti and all prisoners held in Israeli occupation jails were launched on Saturday in front of Bethlehem Municipality, with wide official and popular participation.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the campaign is organized by Bethlehem Municipality in cooperation with prisoner support organizations. It aims to emphasize the centrality of the prisoners' cause in national awareness and to reject the occupation's repressive policies against them.
Bethlehem Mayor Maher Qanawati highlighted the extremely difficult humanitarian conditions faced by prisoners in Israeli jails, including escalating violations and punitive measures like administrative detention. Many prisoners are held without charge or trial for unspecified periods, which he stated constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law. He called on the international community and human rights organizations to urgently address these violations.
Participants in the event expressed that the campaign seeks to renew commitment to the prisoners, highlight their suffering, and mobilize broader international support for their cause. They called for the immediate release of all prisoners and an end to administrative detention practices.