Palestinian group seeks Pope's intervention in prison hunger strike, Jerusalem, Aug. 25 (CWNews.com)

Jerusalem, Aug. 25 (CWNews.com) - A Palestinian group has appealed to Pope John Paul II (bio - news) to intervene on behalf of Palestinian prisoners who are engaged in a hunger strike in Israeli jails.

Issa Qaraqea, a spokesman for the prisoners' supporters, said that the hunger strike is a protest against "a campaign of repression and unjustifiable violence." The prisoners charge that their Israeli captors have denied them visiting rights, and engaged in degrading body searches.

According to the Palestinian group, Israeli officials have announced that they will let the hunger strikers die rather than respond to their demands. The group asked Pope John Paul II to use his influence to change that stance.