***Begins***
Ramallah, 14-03-06: The Palestinian National today condemned the ongoing attack on Jericho Prison by Israeli troops, which has so far resulted in the deaths of two Palestinians.
The jail, where Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine leader and recently-elected Member of Parliament, Ahmed Saadat, is being held, was stormed by Israeli troops on Tuesday morning.
American and British forces supervising Saadat’s detention withdrew before the attack in what appeared to be a move coordinated with the Israeli military.
Backed by helicopters, jeeps and tanks, Israeli troops opened fire on the prison, killing a Palestinian policeman, and proceeded to force entry into the security compound which houses the jail and Palestinian security headquarters.
Prisoners refused calls to surrender, at which point the Israeli military ordered bulldozers to tear down the prison walls.
In a statement released earlier today, Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi MP, General Secretary of the PNI, declared that the United States and Britain bore moral responsibility for respecting the agreement that provides protection for Saadat and fellow inmates, and for ensuring the safety of prisoners and prison personnel
He called for immediate intervention by the international community to end the siege, which has already led to the deaths of one Palestinian policeman and one prisoner, and the injury of more than 10 others.
He labeled the attack an attempt by the Israeli government to win favour with voters in light of upcoming elections, and highlighted the risk that such a move poses to the already-dangerous situation in the region.
***Ends***
***Contact***
PNI Press Service
Tel: 054-6513128