Three individuals who were on a hunger strike as part of the group Palestine Action have decided to end their 73-day protest. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, and Lewie Chiaramello made this announcement following the news that defense contractor Elbit Systems UK did not secure a significant government contract, a key demand of the hunger strikers.
Elbit Systems lost out on a £2 billion contract that would have involved training 60,000 British troops annually. Heba Muraisi, aged 31, who had been on a hunger strike for 73 days, is currently held at HMP New Hall, over 200 miles away from her loved ones. Her health has deteriorated rapidly, prompting consideration by MPs to relocate her to HMP Bronzefield for closer proximity to her family.
Kamran Ahmed, who reached 66 days without food and was hospitalized six times, was diagnosed with bradycardia. His sister criticized the government, particularly Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressing disappointment given his background as a former human rights lawyer.
Lewie Chiaramello, who has type 1 diabetes, was alternating fasting every other day as part of his hunger strike. The Mirror reported on MP Zarah Sultana’s statement regarding Teuta Hoxha, who ended her 58-day hunger strike and is now dealing with re-feeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition resulting from extended periods without food.
Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s leading arms manufacturer, has been repeatedly targeted by activists from Palestine Action due to its involvement in producing armaments used against Palestinians in Gaza. The company was part of a consortium competing for the £2 billion contract to train soldiers for combat, with the Ministry of Defence selecting a rival consortium led by Raytheon UK, a subsidiary of the US defense corporation.
According to sources cited by The Times, Raytheon was deemed a more suitable candidate without elaboration, following a thorough evaluation process.