PALESTINE solidarity activists protested in Edinburgh yesterday in support of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike, kicking off a week of action ahead of a demonstration against the Israeli ambassador visiting the Scottish Parliament.

Last night, protesters gathered in solidarity with more than 1,500 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails who have been refusing food for nearly four weeks.

Some activists are undertaking 24-hour fasts in solidarity with the prisoners.

Passers-by were invited to drink salt and water, symbolising the only nourishment taken by the hunger strikers.

The Palestinian hunger strikers are entering their 27th day of the fast, with demands that include a right to family visits, proper medical care, an end to detention without charge and trial and axing solitary confinement.

Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) spokesman Mick Napier said: “More and more Palestinian prisoners are joining the hunger strike to protest for what are basic human rights.”

He told the Star: “Palestinians are the most imprisoned people on the surface of this planet.

“It’s outrageous that Israel is signed up to the UN Convention against Torture when torture has been virtually legalised by the Israeli Supreme Court.”

Mr Napier called on anti-apartheid activists around the world who have participated in hunger strikes to up their game and do everything possible to exert pressure on Israel on behalf of the prisoners.”

A demonstration will also take place outside the Scottish Parliament next Thursday from 10am to protest against the Israeli ambassador Mark Regev’s visit at the invitation of Labour MSP Ken Macintosh.

There will also be protests next Wednesday evening at Glasgow University, where Mr Regev is due to speak at a Friends of Israel meeting.

SNP Friends of Palestine convenor Andy Murray said he was “dismayed” by the planned visit.