IPS STATEMENT ON SECURITY PRISONERS' HUNGER STRIKE
(Communicated by the Prisons Service Spokesman)
15 August 2004

Israel Prison Service (IPS) Commissioner Yaakov Ganot said this morning
(Sunday), 15.8.04, "I will view the cessation and cancellation of the hunger
strike as a success, but not at the price of demands to continue hostile
terrorist action or to control the prisons"

This morning, terrorist security prisoners began violating prison discipline
by refusing food and/or prison meals. Currently, Nafha and Eshel prisons in
the south, and Hadarim prison in the Sharon area, are participating in the
strike.

The IPS received official notification of the strike, and took immediate
action by revoking privileges such as the right to take electrical equipment
out of their prison cells, distributing canteen products such as cigarettes,
and sweets and other food items. In addition, family visits will not be
allowed.

IPS Commissioner Ganot evaluated the situation this morning and instructed
that a number of actions be taken in order to assure that no irregular
events occur in the prisons and that no IPS officers are injured. The IPS
medical branch has been placed on high alert, and nearby hospitals have been
briefed on various possible consequences.

Today, there are 3,800 terrorists and security prisoners in 20 prisons
around the country. The prisoners' demand that they should be allowed to
continue to plan and direct terror attacks from inside IPS facilities is
unacceptable and contravenes all existing security rules. Over the years,
the prisoners have been awarded a number of privileges, which are not
defined by law, including access to television (including several channels
from Arab countries), radio, newspapers, university education, additional
special food (spices, types of meat, canteen goods), electronic games etc.

The IPS is engaged in continuous dialogue with the terrorists in order to
maintain discipline within the prisons.