Eight activists linked to the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action are facing a severe health crisis after months on hunger strike while being held in custody awaiting trial. A leading doctor has warned the prisoners are "dying" and require urgent specialist medical care.
Medical Emergency Behind Bars
Dr James Smith, an emergency physician and lecturer at University College London, has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating condition of the activists. He stated that the group needs specialist medical help, citing accounts of "substandard monitoring and treatment within the prison system." His warning follows a letter from over 200 members of the British Medical Association (BMA) raising concerns.
Some of the eight prisoners have already been taken to hospital. The hunger strikes began in protest at being held in remand without bail. According to the support group Prisoners for Palestine, four of the eight have now paused their protest, while one participates intermittently due to a pre-existing health condition.
Charges and the Path to Trial
The activists face serious charges related to two separate alleged incidents. Four are accused of involvement in a break-in at an Israeli-linked defence firm, Elbit Systems UK, in Filton, Bristol, in 2024. The other four are charged in connection with an alleged break-in at RAF Brize Norton in June, where they are accused of damaging two military jets.
All eight deny the charges but have been denied bail. Their trials are not due to begin until May 2025 at the earliest. It is crucial to note that the alleged offences took place before the government banned Palestine Action under terrorism legislation in July. That ban made membership or support for the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Political Pressure and Government Response
The situation has drawn significant political attention. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP John McDonnell supported a press conference held by the protesters' families. Corbyn has claimed there have been "regular breaches of prison conditions and prison rules."
At Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer was challenged on whether the Ministry of Justice would meet the strikers' lawyers. The Prime Minister responded that established "rules and procedures" for hunger strikes were being followed. Prisons Minister Lord Timpson echoed this, stating the system was "robust and working" and that the government would not meet with the prisoners or their representatives, citing the independence of the judiciary.
The Hunger Strikers: Individual Cases
Qesser Zuhrah, 20, accused over the Elbit break-in, was taken to hospital on the 46th day of her strike. She ended her fast on day 48 due to severe abdominal pain.
Amu Gib ended their strike on day 49 after experiencing weakness and brain fog. They are charged concerning the RAF Brize Norton incident.
Heba Muraisi has spent over 50 days on hunger strike. She was moved from HMP Bronzefield to HMP New Hall, far from her support network, and vows to continue unless moved back.
Teuta Hoxha has spent over 45 days on strike. Her sister, Rahma Hoxha, said guards had called Teuta a "terrorist" and that it felt like the government was "trying to bury them alive."
Kamran Ahmed, on strike for 45 days, has been hospitalised twice since November. His sister reported he is losing half a kilogram daily and that his "heart is giving in."
Muhammad Umer Khalid and Jon Cink have ended their strikes after 13 and 41 days respectively. Both are charged in relation to the Brize Norton incident and will next appear in court on 16 January.
