Palestinian prisoners' mass hunger strike ends after 40 days

A total of 834 Palestinian prisoners remained on a hunger strike that ended on Friday night after 40 days of starvation, according to the Israel Prison Service.

The strike began on April 17 when up to 1,500 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails demanded better conditions in prisons, more frequent family visits, and an end to Israel's practice of detentions without trial. Eighteen prisoners were hospitalized on Friday as a result of the strike and will be returned to prison after their conditions improve.

As Israel reached an agreement with the Palestinian Authority and the Red Cross over prisoners' visitation right which allows each prisoner two visits monthly, the strike ended, Israel Prison Service said.

The negotiations over other requirements are expected to be

continued.

(CGTN)