The ongoing hunger strike, now one of the lengthiest in recent history, has reached a critical juncture with potentially fatal consequences. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Government has chosen to remain silent.
Currently, six individuals in British penitentiaries have abstained from food for 46 days, marking a significant milestone surpassing previous hunger strikes, notably the 1981 Irish Republican Army protests at HMP Maze / Long Kesh in Northern Ireland.
The hunger strike initiated by Palestine Action commenced on November 2 and has surpassed one month in duration. Among the hunger strikers are individuals such as Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisa, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello, each on varying lengths of hunger protest.
These prisoners are withholding sustenance as they await trial for their involvement in direct action demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine. While two prisoners have discontinued their hunger strike, the remaining individuals, known as the Filton 24 and Brize Norton 4, face accusations related to high-profile incidents, including actions at RAF Brize Norton and Elbit’s research center in Filton.
Despite being incarcerated without conviction and enduring prolonged pre-trial detention, the hunger strikers advocate for fundamental rights, including an end to prison censorship, immediate bail, fair trials, reevaluation of terrorism designations, and closure of Elbit Systems facilities in the UK.
Prisoners4Palestine, a collective representing detainees linked to Palestinian causes, highlight the connection between Elbit Systems and the Israeli arms industry, urging against funding such operations with public resources.
Prominent figures such as David Lammy, Wes Streeting, and Keir Starmer have been urged to intervene to prevent potential fatalities among the hunger strikers. Efforts to secure urgent medical attention for the hunger strikers, particularly in critical conditions like Zuhrah’s deteriorating health, have garnered support from lawmakers and medical professionals.
The legal representatives for the hunger strikers have expressed concerns to government officials regarding the escalating risk of fatalities in custody without due process. Calls for immediate action to address the hunger strike crisis echo concerns over historical injustices faced by previous hunger strikers.
In a show of solidarity, over 200 influential figures from various industries have signed a public appeal urging government intervention to prevent tragedies within the incarcerated protest groups. The signatories emphasize the prisoners’ prolonged detention without trial, deteriorating health conditions, and alleged violations of basic rights in British incarceration facilities.