Three Palestinian Activists Conclude Hunger Strike After 73 Days

Three activists awaiting trial have concluded their hunger strike after an intense 73 days of fasting.

Activists Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, and Lewie Chiaramello resumed eating on Wednesday, January 14, according to the nonprofit organization Prisoners for Palestine.

The group claims that their hunger strike ended following the UK government meeting their demands by allegedly refusing a £2 billion contract with the Israel-based defense company Elbit Systems.

Ahmed, 28, from East London, was reported to be at "imminent risk of death" just a week ago due to prolonged food deprivation, necessitating his transfer to the hospital.

These three activists are among the last hunger strikers who initiated this protest while facing trial linked to their involvement in alleged Palestine Action operations and vandalism.

Umer Khalid is now the sole remaining hunger striker, as indicated by the campaigners on their website.

In recent weeks, four additional hunger strikers—Teuta Hoxha, Jon Cink, Qesser Zuhrah, and Amu Gib—have also begun to reintroduce food.

All these individuals are part of a total of eight detainees who are currently on remand following charges connected to break-ins and damages at an Elbit Systems facility in August 2024, as well as other actions at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire last June.

Palestine Action faced a ban under terrorism legislation, turning membership into a criminal offense, which provoked significant backlash. This ban is currently being contested in the High Court, with a ruling expected in the future.

According to Prisoners for Palestine, national leaders from prison healthcare systems met with representatives of the hunger strike participants on Friday to discuss conditions inside the facilities and to offer treatment recommendations.

Chiaramello stated: "This is certainly a moment to celebrate. It represents a time of joy and liberation for us.

"Our actions stem from a deep commitment to Palestine; we draw inspiration and empowerment to strive for our visions of a free Palestine and a liberated world."

Prisoners for Palestine remarked: "Even though these activists have concluded their hunger strike, our resistance is just beginning.

"The British state’s decision to ban our organization and imprison our comrades has backfired; direct action remains vibrant, and the community will ensure Elbit is expelled from Britain permanently."

Since the commencement of the hunger strike on November 2, several other detainees have also required hospital treatment.

Muraisi, who works as a lifeguard and florist and has Yemeni roots, indicated through a friend that she no longer felt hunger days prior to the end of their strike.

She expressed: "Physically, I have been deteriorating more each day. I don’t feel hunger anymore; instead, I experience pain.

"My thoughts are not concerned with survival but rather how and when I might die. Despite this, my mental fortitude has never been greater; my determination is resolute, and I feel a profound sense of peace and calmness."