Qaanitah Hunter| Cii News, Pic: occupiedpalestine.wordpress.com (file) | October 19, 2012

The Zionist state of Israel prevented many Palestinians from going for Hajj this year on the premise that that they are refugees, a former Palestinian hunger striker said.

Speaking to Cii, Jaffar Izzideen said the prevention was meted out to people of all ages and genders.

“Two years ago when I was going for Umrah I was prevented,” he said.  Izzideen said that despite requests to the Saudi government for assistance, they did not intervene.

“We hope a negotiation will take palace between Saudi and the Americans and in turn America will negotiate with Israel.”

But he said, to their disappointment Saudi Arabia has not showed inclination to mediate on their behalf to allow Palestinians to go for Hajj.

“There is no possibility of going for Hajj this year. We have spoken to lawyers but the restriction is quite clear that we will not be allowed to go for Hajj.”

He explained that the restrictions on travelling have become synonymous with the oppression of the Israeli regime.

“We hope InshAllah next year we will be given the opportunity to go for Hajj,” Izzideen said.

He noted that the oppression is now extended to acts of religion and has encompassed all facets of daily life.

“Daily people are dying. Daily people’s lives are infringed upon.”