Palestinians stay on hunger strike despite ‘snacking’ claims

That’s about the same number as before the release of a video Israel claims shows the strike leader secretly eating in his cell.

Supporters of Marwan Barghouti say the video released earlier this week and purportedly showing him snacking is a fabrication intended to break the prisoners’ morale.

The strike entered its 24th day on Wednesday, with prisoners demanding better conditions.

Israel Prison Service spokeswoman Nicole Englander says of the 882 prisoners still participating in the protest, one has been hospitalised and another underwent medical checks.

Israeli officials alleged Barghouti launched the strike to further his political ambitions.

Barghouti is serving five life terms for a role in directing deadly attacks in a Palestinian uprising. He is currently being held in solitary confinement by Israel.

In Palestine, he has been compared to South African leader Nelson Mandela, and is celebrated as a hero and possible future president of a Palestinian state.

Around 1,500 Palestinians in Israeli jails had started the strike refusing food since April 17.

The strikers have issued a list of demands including better medical services, family visits and more dignified detention conditions.

Some 850,000 Palestinians have been incarcerated since Israel's occupation of their territories 50 years ago, Palestinian leaders say.