Israeli Prison Service Says Detainee Tal Yinon Dradik Ate During Alleged Hunger Strike

The Israeli Prison Service (IPS) has challenged claims that detainee Tal Yinon Dradik is on a full hunger strike, stating he has eaten several meals during his detention. According to IPS sources quoted by Walla, Dradik consumes food intermittently, including challah bread, fish, and even a full Friday night meal. He also drinks fluids daily and undergoes regular medical check-ups by IPS doctors. Recently, he was hospitalized for medical evaluation and then returned to custody.

Dradik's family disputes the IPS account, maintaining that his health is deteriorating due to the hunger strike. His brother, Idan Dradik, said Tal was hospitalized at Hadassah Mount Scopus last Tuesday, losing 11 kilograms and dropping to 67 kilograms. He described symptoms including fainting and liver damage, with a private doctor noting dangerously low vital signs consistent with a 29-day hunger strike. Family members and visiting Knesset members have documented his condition.

The IPS declined to comment on Dradik's medical status due to privacy but confirmed he receives medical care, visits from lawmakers, and religious items such as a Kiddush set with challah and wine. They emphasized that detention decisions are not theirs and that they provide optimal care while he remains in custody.

Dradik, a resident of the West Bank outpost Kfar Tapuach and father of four, was arrested for allegedly violating an administrative order. Although a magistrate court ordered his release to house arrest about a month ago, the district court upheld the police appeal, keeping him detained. His hunger strike reportedly intensified after this ruling, including a cessation of drinking. He is represented by the legal aid organization Honenu.