Gaza, ALRAY - Dozens of Israeli soldiers deployed on Saturday afternoon at the entrances to the Issawiya town in occupied Jerusalem hours before a public rally in celebration of the release of Samer al-Issawi takes place.

Local media reported that the event will be held in occupied east Jerusalem near Samer al-Issawi's home under the slogan "Unity and Victory Celebration".

More than 50 Israeli military vehicles have been stationed at the entrance to the town near the Ma'aleh Adumim colonial settlement, locals said, adding that all vehicles heading to town are stopped and checked by the Israeli soldiers.

Sister of ex-detainee Issawi called on her facebook page for participating in the "Unity and Victory" rally in celebration of "the triumph of Samer Issawi and his freedom from the Israeli occupation jails on Saturday at 2:00 pm.

It is expected that the rally attract a large turnout of Palestinians coming from pre-1948 Palestine territories. 

Issawi earned his freedom on December 23, having fought an 'empty stomach battle' with his 270 days of hunger strike.

With his strike, he protested Israel's detaining of him without a charge, and rejected an Israeli proposal to exile him in return for his release, among other offers.