In a concerning development, the ongoing hunger strike, now the longest in decades, has reached a critical phase with potentially fatal consequences. The silence from the authorities on this matter is alarming.
As days pass without food, the six hunger strikers in British prisons have surpassed a milestone of 46 days without sustenance. This surpasses the previous record set during the 1981 Irish Republican Army hunger strikes at HMP Maze / Long Kesh in Northern Ireland.
The Palestine Action hunger strike, initiated on November 2, is now in its second month, with participants including Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisa, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello, who have been on hunger strike for varying durations.
These individuals are on hunger strike while awaiting trial for their involvement in direct action protests in support of Palestine. The hunger strike has specific demands, including the end of prison censorship, immediate release on bail for Palestine Action prisoners, fair trials, removal of the ‘terror’ classification, and closure of all Elbit Systems facilities in the UK.
Supporters and concerned parties are advocating for the hunger strikers’ well-being and immediate medical attention as their health deteriorates. Calls for urgent actions from government officials, including David Lammy, Wes Streeting, and Keir Starmer, have been made to prevent any tragic outcomes.
The hunger strike situation has garnered attention and concern from various sectors, with over 200 prominent figures from the music, sports, and entertainment industries signing an open letter urging government intervention to prevent any loss of life among the hunger strikers. Solidarity with the protestors, known as the ‘Filton 24’ and ‘Brize Norton 5,’ has been expressed by prominent personalities and activists.
The hunger strike issue has raised questions about the treatment of prisoners, the delays in trials, and the conditions within the prison system. The urgency of the situation is evident, and swift action is needed to address the concerns of the hunger strikers and ensure their well-being.