Palestinians in Israeli jails to end hunger strike

Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails are reported to have agreed to end a mass hunger strike.

As thousands of sympathisers for the strikers held a rally in Gaza, Israel and Hamas confirmed that a deal had been struck.

It is said to have been brokered by Egypt after earlier talks resulted in deadlock.

Hamas says the inmates’ demands have been met, with Israel agreeing end solitary confinement for 19 prisoners, and to lift a ban on jail visits by relatives living in Gaza.

The hunger-strikers had also challenged the policy of detention without trial. Israel has reportedly agreed to free detainees once they have completed their terms, unless they are brought to court.

Some 1,600 prisoners – a third of the total held by Israel – have been refusing food, most since mid-April, some for more than two months.

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