Israel to Release Palestinian After 66-Day Hunger Strike

Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan has ended his 66-day hunger strike, the longest carried out by any Palestinian prisoner, after Israel agreed to set him free on April 17.

Mr Adnan has refused food since December 18, one day after he was detained without charge. He had lost more than 40 per cent of his body weight over the past nine weeks.

Mr Adnan's wife, Randa Mussa hailed the deal as a "victory" for her husband. "He forced the occupation to give in to his demands and I hope he returns safe to us," she said.

"The Israeli court decided to release Khader Adnan on April 17 and based on that he ended his hunger strike," Palestinian prisoner affairs minister Issa Qaraqaa said.