Middle East

Israel frees Palestinian who ended hunger strike in February

Associated Press
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FILE -- In this Feb. 10, 2016 file photo, Palestinian journalist Mohammed al-Qeq, lies in a hospital bed at the Emek Medical Center in Afula, Northern Israel. The Israeli military said al-Qeq who ended a 94-day hunger strike in February has been released to his home in the West Bank. Al-Qeq went on hunger strike in November to win release from administrative detention, a practice that can keep some prisoners in custody without charges for an indefinite time. Israel says the detention is an important security tool to deter militant attacks. Israel said al-Qeq was involved in activities linked to the militant group Hamas. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File) (The Associated Press)

Palestinian journalist Mohammed al-Qeq, left is received by a relative on his arrival at the West Bank village of Dora, near Hebron, Thursday, May 19, 2016. The Israeli military said al-Qeq who ended a 94-day hunger strike in February has been released to his home in the West Bank. Al-Qeq went on hunger strike in November to win release from administrative detention, a practice that can keep some prisoners in custody without charges for an indefinite time. Israel says the detention is an important security tool to deter militant attacks. Israel said al-Qeq was involved in activities linked to the militant group Hamas. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi) (The Associated Press)

Palestinian journalist Mohammed al-Qeq is received by relatives on his arrival at the West Bank village of Dora, near Hebron, Thursday, May 19, 2016. The Israeli military said al-Qeq who ended a 94-day hunger strike in February has been released to his home in the West Bank. Al-Qeq went on hunger strike in November to win release from administrative detention, a practice that can keep some prisoners in custody without charges for an indefinite time. Israel says the detention is an important security tool to deter militant attacks. Israel said al-Qeq was involved in activities linked to the militant group Hamas. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi) (The Associated Press)

The Israeli military says a Palestinian prisoner who ended a 94-day hunger strike in February has been released to his home in the West Bank.

It says Mohammed al-Qeq was freed on Thursday.

Al-Qeq went on hunger strike in November to win release from administrative detention, a practice that can keep some prisoners in custody without charges for an indefinite time. Israel says it is an important security tool to deter militant attacks.

Palestinian prisoners have used hunger strikes before to draw attention to their detention. Fearing a fasting detainee's death could spark more violence, Israel has at times acceded to their demands.

Israel has said that al-Qeq, who has worked as a journalist for a Saudi media outlet, was involved in activities linked to the militant group Hamas.