The ongoing hunger strike, now at its most critical phase, has become the longest in decades with the lives of the protesters hanging in the balance, while the authorities maintain silence.
Time is of the essence as six individuals in British prisons have been fasting for 46 days, surpassing the previous record set during the 1981 Irish Republican Army hunger strikes at HMP Maze / Long Kesh in Northern Ireland.
In the past, the Irish protests resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals due to the lack of political intervention, with Bobby Sands MP being the first casualty on day 66 of his hunger strike.
The hunger strike initiated by Palestine Action commenced on November 2nd and is now entering its second month.
The hunger strikers, including Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisa, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello, have been fasting while awaiting trial for their involvement in direct action protests supporting Palestine. Two other participants have discontinued their hunger strike.
These individuals have not yet been convicted of any crimes and are currently detained in British prisons, with some facing a significant delay in their trial dates, like Gib who was arrested in July 2025 but is not expected to stand trial until January 2027.
The hunger strikers have outlined five demands, including an end to prison censorship, immediate bail for Palestine Action detainees, fair trials for all accused, removal of the ‘terror’ label on Palestine Action, and closure of all Elbit Systems facilities in the UK.
Prisoners4Palestine, a UK-based prisoner-led collective advocating for Palestinian liberation, has highlighted Elbit Systems as Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer and called for the cessation of government funding for such activities.
Pressure is mounting on politicians like David Lammy, Wes Streeting, and Keir Starmer to intervene and prevent any fatalities among the hunger strikers. Despite attempts to reach out to them, no responses have been received so far.
Reports from Middle East Eye indicate that Zuhrah, one of the hunger strikers, experienced worsening chest pains on day 42 of her strike but did not receive adequate medical attention despite seeking help.
Supporters, including Zarah Sultana MP and medical professionals, have been advocating for immediate hospitalization and independent medical evaluation of Zuhrah, who is currently on day 46 of her hunger strike.
Following a support protest outside HMP Bronzefield, Zuhrah was eventually taken to the hospital on December 17 after experiencing severe pain and requiring urgent medical care.
Efforts to secure bail for the hunger strikers have been met with challenges, as highlighted in a viral video showing Lammy’s lack of awareness regarding the situation.
Al Jazeera reported that legal representatives of the hunger strikers have warned of the potential for fatalities if prompt action is not taken to address their grievances and circumstances.
The public is urged to demand accountability from elected officials and prevent a repeat of past tragedies, with over 200 prominent figures signing an open letter urging the Prime Minister to intervene before any lives are lost.
The hunger strikers, referred to as the ‘Filton 24’ and ‘Brize Norton 5’, have been detained without trial for protesting against Israeli actions in Gaza, leading to deteriorating health conditions and hospitalizations.
Campaigners denounce the prolonged detention without trial as a violation of justice and basic rights, including the withholding of essential communication and amenities.