Palestinian prisoner Khalil Awawda ended a hunger strike lasting more than 170 days on Wednesday evening after reaching a deal stipulating his release on October 2.
In a video circulating on social media Awawda said he suspended his hunger strike and added he will remain in hospital for treatment.
“I will remain in hospital for treatment till my full recovery and be able to stand up and walk again” he said.
In another video shared by his lawyer the father of four thanked those who stood by him before ending his hunger strike with a cup of tea.
“Thank you for your support” he said. “You are a great nation. You are a great nation.”
The prisoners and ex-prisoners’ commission also confirmed the news of his release date stressing that he will remain in the Asaf Harofeh Hospital until his release.
Awawda 40 launched his hunger strike shortly after his arrest in December 2021 in protest at being held in Israeli jails without charge or trial a practice known as “administrative detention”.
There are 4450 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails 560 of whom are serving in administrative detention.
