There is no running water, no bathrooms. Alia Duweikat came to see her son Adnan, who is on the fourth year of a seven-year sentence for membership in Hamas. Like many Palestinians, much of her anger about the prisoner issue is directed toward Arafat, whom many accuse of abandoning the prisoners during peace negotiations. The leaders have forgotten the sacrifices made for their country and people,'' she said. After five hours and two security checks, Duweikat was allowed into the visiting hall for her monthly visit with her son.
Prisoners are on one side, relatives are on the other.
Hundreds more are denied entry into Israel to visit relatives, a handful of whom have never been charged, tried or convicted, but who serve six-month sentences imposed by Israeli military courts that are easily renewed and hard to fight. For Palestinians, peace with Israel begins with their own state and the release of their prisoners, explained Abdel Razek, the minister for prisoner affairs.