Rashida Tlaib says 'Israel alone' responsible for 'dying' Palestinian hunger striker's fate

Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib condemned Israel's administrative detention of Palestinian hunger striker Hisham Abu Hawash, stating she holds the Israeli government responsible for his health.

Abu Hawash, 40, entered his 141st day on hunger strike on Tuesday, held to protest his detention by Israel without charge or trial. His family has told The New Arab that his condition is life-threatening.

His condition has sparked international concern and demands for his release, including from Tlaib.

"The gov't of Israel alone is responsible for this situation and [Abu Hawash's] health and safety," Tlaib said on Monday.

Hisham Abu Hawash - married father of 5, held without a scrap of evidence, trial, or even a court hearing (in violation of int'l law) since October 2020. On hunger strike for 140+ days. The gov't of Israel alone is responsible for this situation and his health and safety. https://t.co/EnA8lHOq36

— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) January 3, 2022

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "must demand an end to Israel's practice of holding Palestinians living under apartheid in detention without representation, fair trial, or even a shred of due process in violation of international law and their human rights/liberties", Tlaib said in another tweet.

Israel uses a policy of administrative detention to hold Palestinians without charge or trial for renewable periods of up to six months.

The European Union urged Israel to end its use of administrative detention, saying it was "seriously concerned" by Abu Hawash's condition.