The Young Communist League – Ligue de la jeunesse communiste Canada calls for the immediate and unconditional release of comrade Hassan Shehahdeh, a former prisoner and the head of Palestinian Democratic Youth Union (PDYU) in the West Bank. We extend our full solidarity with the PDYU and the family of comrade Hassan Shehadeh. 

At dawn on Thursday, 17 September 2026, Israeli occupation forces raided Comrade Shehadeh’s home in Abu Dis, east of occupied Jerusalem, arrested him, and took him into custody. We hold the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the safety and well-being of Comrade Hassan Shehadeh.

In the strongest possible terms we condemn the arrest of comrade Hassan Shehadeh and the direct targeting of Palestinian youth leaders. We call on all progressive and democratic youth organisations in our country to demand comrade Hassan Shehadeh immediate and unconditional release, together with all Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

We salute the work of the PDYU organising youth and students in defence of the national rights of the Palestinian people. We continue to campaign in our country for freedom, independence, and the right of return for the Palestinian people and against the monopolies in Canada that profit from occupation and war. 

Freedom for Comrade Hassan Shehadeh!

Freedom for all Palestinian prisoners and detainees!