IDF forces are stationed in worrisome areas for today’s Arab observance of Nakba Day. The day marks the tragedy, referring to the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and in keeping with PA custom; observances on such days surround violence, attacks and confrontations with Israeli forces and civilians.

Senior security officers were especially concerned that the ongoing hunger strike observed by over 1,600 terrorists imprisoned in Israel would contribute to the violence, but a deal was cut that has brought the hunger strike to an end on Monday evening.

As per the agreement, Israel has agreed to improve conditions for the imprisoned terrorists.

This includes the return of prisoners held in separation to the prison wings and the possibility of first degree relatives’ visits to prisoners from Gaza.

An inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Israel Prison Service Commissioner, and with the participation of representatives from the justice, foreign and health ministries, as well as from the IDF (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and the Judge Advocate General), the Israel Security Agency, the National Security Council and the Israel Police, evaluated the significance of the prisoners’ requests and issued a serious of recommendations to the political echelon.

The Israel Prison Authority statement included the following:

Before the strike, the Israel Prison Service Commissioner appointed an additional team to evaluate the prisoners’ requests regarding their prison living conditions; in the wake of the halt to the strike, several actions will be carried out regarding which positive decisions have been taken.

The decisions of the committee were shown to prisoners who did not strike, thus preventing their joining and expanding the strikers.

It should be pointed out that throughout the strike, the strikers were under close medical care and received professional treatment as necessary, including check-ups and hospitalization according to need.

Upon the conclusion of the strike, the medical monitoring will continue in order to prevent possible complications from an unsupervised return to eating.

Security deployment in the prisons and dialogue with the strikers throughout the period prevented a worsening of the situation including possible violent scenarios.

Throughout the strike, the Israel Prison Service took care regarding prisoners’ rights according to law and acted with complete transparency vis-à-vis official oversight agencies. (end of message)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz announced that he is praying for the best but forces are prepared for the worst.

PA officials announce its forces will be on hand as well to prevent violence. An official stated that while violence is expected, they are confident they will be capable of containing the situation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)