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Portrait of Bilal Kayed

Bilal Kayed

Palestinian former prisoner and 2016 hunger striker

Born
1981
Born in
Nablus
Read Bilal’s story2 videosAsk about Bilal

Why Bilal is here

Resistance leader who endured prolonged imprisonment and hunger strikes for Palestinian rights.

Their story

Bilal Kayed is a Palestinian activist known for his involvement with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and for being a vocal advocate against Israel's use of administrative detention. After serving 14.5 years in Israeli prisons, he was placed in administrative detention on the day of his release in 2016, sparking widespread protests and a 71-day hunger strike. His case symbolizes the struggle against Israel's policy of detaining Palestinians without trial, and his resilience has made him a prominent figure in the Palestinian resistance movement.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Bilal’s path.

  1. Joined the PFLP during the Second Intifada

    Arrested in 2001 for his participation in resistance activities as part of the PFLP during the Second Intifada.

  2. Sentenced to 14.5 years in Israeli prison

    Convicted by a military court, Kayed spent over 14 years in prison, during which he became a leading figure among Palestinian prisoners.

  3. 2016

    Administrative detention after completing sentence

    Placed in administrative detention on his scheduled release date, 13 June, after completing a fourteen-and-a-half-year sentence.

  4. Led a 71-day hunger strike

    In protest of his detention, Kayed engaged in a hunger strike for 71 days, inspiring solidarity actions among other Palestinian prisoners.

  5. 2016

    Released after international pressure

    Released on 12 December after the hunger-strike agreement.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Advocated for Palestinian prisoners' rights

    Kayed became a leading figure in advocating for the rights of Palestinian prisoners, particularly those held in administrative detention.

  2. Resistance against Israeli administrative detention

    His prolonged hunger strike and refusal to accept unjust detention brought international attention to the plight of Palestinian prisoners.

    Watch

  3. Unified Palestinian prisoner movement

    While in prison, Kayed helped organize and lead various hunger strikes and resistance movements, fostering unity among Palestinian political prisoners.

  4. Champion for Palestinian resistance

    His refusal to accept exile or compromise with Israeli authorities has made him a symbol of steadfastness in the face of occupation.

  5. Inspired international solidarity

    His case drew attention from global human rights organizations, bringing the issue of administrative detention to international forums like the United Nations.

    Watch

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Watch & listen

Bilal in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Resistance against Israeli administrative detention↗

  • 02Inspired international solidarity↗

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