Full Breakdown
Urgent Health Crisis Among Palestine Action Hunger Strikers in UK Prisons
12/19/2025, 11:10:24 PM
Overview of the Hunger Strike Situation
Eight activists affiliated with Palestine Action are currently on hunger strike in UK prisons, protesting their treatment and the government's refusal to meet their demands. The group, aged between 20 and 31, is facing charges related to alleged break-ins and criminal damage linked to protests against Israel's military actions. The hunger strike, which began in early November, has escalated into a critical health crisis, with reports indicating that some prisoners are at imminent risk of death.
Health Deterioration and Medical Concerns
Dr. James Smith, an emergency physician, has warned that the hunger strikers are experiencing severe health complications, including significant weight loss and organ failure. He stated, “Put simply, the hunger strikers are dying,” emphasizing the urgent need for specialized medical care that is currently unavailable in prison. Over 800 healthcare professionals have expressed grave concerns in a letter to Justice Secretary David Lammy, highlighting that without intervention, the situation could lead to fatalities among the strikers.
Key Figures and Their Conditions
The hunger strikers include Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello. Zuhrah has reportedly been on hunger strike for 48 days and has experienced severe chest pains and dizziness. Her family has expressed fears for her life, stating she is unable to stand and has been denied timely medical assistance. Other strikers have similarly reported deteriorating health, with symptoms such as low blood pressure and muscle weakness.
Government Response and Criticism
Despite the escalating health crisis, Justice Secretary David Lammy has not met with the strikers' legal representatives, prompting widespread criticism from MPs and human rights advocates. Over 50 MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, have urged Lammy to engage with the hunger strikers' lawyers to prevent a potential tragedy. The government maintains that all procedures regarding hunger strikes are being followed, with officials asserting that the prisoners' health is being monitored according to established protocols.
Protests and Public Outcry
Protests have erupted outside HMP Bronzefield, where Zuhrah is held, with demonstrators demanding urgent medical care for the hunger strikers. Sultana has been vocal in her demands for the government to intervene, stating, “If she dies, it will be on their hands.” The protests have drawn attention to the broader implications of the hunger strike, which some activists compare to the 1981 hunger strikes by Irish republican prisoners, emphasizing the dire conditions faced by political detainees.
Conclusion and Ongoing Developments
The situation remains critical as the hunger strikers continue their protest against what they describe as inhumane treatment and prolonged detention without trial. Their demands include immediate bail, a fair trial, and the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action, which was designated a terrorist organization by the UK government in July 2025. As the health of the hunger strikers deteriorates, the pressure mounts on the government to take action before it is too late.
