Vigil in London Calls for Release of Palestinian Prisoners

On March 2, 2024, a vigil took place in central London, where dozens gathered to advocate for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The event highlighted the plight of individuals detained under what Israel refers to as “administrative detention.” This system allows for individuals to be held indefinitely without charge, based on the premise that they may commit an offense in the future.

Activists at the vigil wore red ribbons, symbolizing danger and urgency, aiming to draw global attention to the conditions faced by Palestinian detainees. The gathering was organized to mark the beginning of a broader campaign for the rights of these prisoners.

Focus on Dr. Hussam Abu Safia

A significant emphasis was placed on the case of **Dr. Hussam Abu Safia**, the former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza. Dr. Abu Safia was arrested by the Israeli army in December 2024, allegedly while he was still in his medical attire. His family and legal representatives have reported severe mistreatment during his detention, including claims of beatings, torture, and prolonged solitary confinement.

Adnan Hmidan, chair of the Palestinian Forum in the United Kingdom and one of the event’s organizers, stated, “We are clear about this vocabulary – they are hostages, not like any prisoners.” Hmidan highlighted the circumstances of Dr. Abu Safia’s arrest, noting, “They collected him from the hospital while he was wearing his white coat and took him in the tank, in front of everyone in that hospital.” He also raised concerns about the lack of access to legal representation for many Palestinian detainees, some of whom are not granted court dates.

According to **Addameer**, a Palestinian human rights organization monitoring political prisoners, there are currently approximately **9,300 Palestinian political prisoners and detainees** in Israeli prisons, many held without trial. Furthermore, the organization reports that at least **3,350 individuals** from the occupied West Bank are classified as “administrative detainees.” In contrast, **B’Tselem**, an Israeli human rights group, states that as of late 2025, around **10,900 Palestinians** were held in Israeli detention facilities on security grounds, including **2,931** from the Gaza Strip.

A Call for Awareness and Action

Participants at the vigil expressed hope that their efforts would lead to meaningful change. Eva Nazem, an activist, emphasized the importance of keeping the plight of Palestinian prisoners in public consciousness. “It’s also to remind people what’s going on, and that we haven’t forgotten them,” she told **Al Jazeera**. Nazem criticized the silence of those in power, urging for increased pressure on governments to take action.

“Our presence here is twofold. It’s to remind people that it isn’t over, the ceasefire is in name only. It’s not effective,” she said. Nazem further stressed the significance of individuals like Dr. Abu Safia, referring to them as “absolute heroes” who endure unjust treatment.

As the vigil proceeded, participants held placards and stood in silence, a gesture intended as a peaceful act of solidarity rather than a protest. Hmidan clarified that the event aimed to highlight humanitarian issues rather than serve as a direct demonstration. “They [Palestinian prisoners] are human; they have their own stories, they have their own families,” he noted, emphasizing the personal impact of the political situation.

The vigil in London marks a crucial moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, with activists calling for increased awareness and action to address their conditions.