Palestinian footballer ends hunger strike after deal

This good news is only possible thanks to the many people around the world who spoke out in support of Mahmoud Sarsak and called for his release. Many thanks to all of our friends and supporters who joined thousands of others in taking action over the last 3 months. -MECA

A Palestinian footballer on hunger strike in an Israeli jail agreed on Monday to end his protest after Israel was forced to cut a deal to release him, his lawyer said.

Mahmoud Sarsak, who has refused food for 92 days, agreed to start eating after Israel offered to release him on 10 July.

His lawyer Mohammad Jaberein told the Palestinian news agency Ma'an that the agreement was signed in his presence, with Sarsak eating chocolate in front of Israeli authorities to prove he had ended the protest.

Israel's decision to cut a deal to release Sarsak comes after sustained international pressure, including in the sporting world.

Footballing legend Eric Cantona last week called for him to be released, while the Israeli women's team faced protests when they played in Scotland on Saturday.

Under the deal al-Sarsak will return to Ramle prison clinic until his release.

The 25-year-old professional footballer from Gaza has been imprisoned by Israel without charge or trial since July 2009.

He is held under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law, which allows Israel to detain Palestinians from Gaza for an unlimited amount of time without trial.

Al-Sarsak had joined the local soccer team in the Rafah refugee camp in Gaza at the age of 14, and had gone on to play for the Palestinian national team.

He was arrested as he left Gaza heading for the West Bank, where he was hoping to continue his football career.

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