Gaza, November 04: Hamas lawmaker Hatim Qufaisheh says the international community does not care about Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails but is very concerned about the fate of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Qufaisheh denounced all the countries in the world that are demanding that the Palestinian resistance release Shalit while they have no concern for thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, the Palestinian Information Center reported.
He said that Israeli officials and prison authorities are violating all international conventions and norms that are meant to protect the rights of prisoners.
Gilad Shalit has been in Palestinian captivity since he was captured by Gaza Strip fighters in a cross-border raid on June 25, 2006.
Hamas has demanded that Israel release over 1000 Palestinians, including about 450 inmates who have served long terms, from its detention facilities in exchange for the release of the Israeli soldier.
Over 11,500 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently imprisoned in Israeli detention facilities, where they are suffering under harsh and sometimes life-threatening conditions.
—–Agencies