Middle East

Palestinians stay on hunger strike despite 'snacking' claims

Associated Press
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Palestinian activists stand around a 5x4 meter (16.5x13 feet) mosaic portrait of Marwan Barghouti near an Israeli military installation in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Israel released a video they say claim Barghouti secretly eating in his cell while leading Palestinian prisoners hunger strike in Israeli jails. Barghouti supporters say video is a fabrication intended to break the prisoners' morale. (AP Photo/ Nasser Shiyoukhi) (The Associated Press)

Palestinian activists stand around a 5x4 meter (16.5x13 feet) mosaic portrait of Marwan Barghouti near an Israeli military installation in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Israel released a video they say claim Barghouti secretly eating in his cell while leading Palestinian prisoners hunger strike in Israeli jails. Barghouti supporters say video is a fabrication intended to break the prisoners' morale. (AP Photo/ Nasser Shiyoukhi) (The Associated Press)

An official says 882 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel remain on an open-ended hunger strike.

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 hospitalized 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.