Supporters of three prisoners linked to the activist group Palestine Action have issued an urgent warning about their rapidly declining health, as a coordinated hunger strike reaches a critical juncture.
Severe Symptoms as Strike Enters Critical Phase
Heba Muraisi, 31, is now on the 65th day of her total refusal of food. According to those supporting her, she is experiencing significant muscle spasms and has developed breathing difficulties. Her fellow protester, Kamran Ahmed, 28, has reached day 58 and has reported suffering from intermittent hearing loss.
The third participant is Lewie Chiaramello, 22, who has type 1 diabetes. Due to his medical condition, he has been undertaking an alternate-day fast, which has now lasted for 44 days.
Dr James Smith, an emergency physician and lecturer at University College London, stated that all three individuals are now deep into what he termed the "critical phase" of a hunger strike, defined as beyond three weeks. He cautioned that their situations could deteriorate swiftly and with permanent consequences.
Prisoners' Resolve and Government Stance
In an interview facilitated by an intermediary, Kamran Ahmed, who is being held at Pentonville prison in north London, expressed his determination despite grave concerns. Ahmed has been hospitalised five times since the protest began.
"I'm worried but being scared does not mean for one second I am not willing as the government ministers play ping pong with our health," Ahmed said. "I intend to continue my hunger strike; perhaps they wait for me to leave in a body bag or [be] hospitalised for a sixth time."
The rolling hunger strike action commenced on 2 November. The core demands include:
- Immediate bail for the protesters.
- An end to the ban on Palestine Action.
- The closure of UK sites operated by the Israeli arms firm Elbit Systems.
- An end to censorship of the prisoners' communications.
Muraisi, Ahmed, and Chiaramello have all been in jail for over 18 months awaiting trial, far exceeding the standard six-month custody limit for pre-trial detention.
Historical Context and Medical Realities
This protest is believed to be the largest coordinated hunger strike in the UK since the IRA prison protests in 1981, during which ten people died. In that period, the earliest death occurred after 46 days, with four others dying between days 59 and 61.
Ahmed questioned the disparity in concern, asking, "if I potentially pass away, does it only matter because I have a [UK] passport? Are the Palestinians disposable numbers?"
Dr Smith addressed scepticism about the strikers' survival, dismissing it as "nonsense". He explained that advances in medical knowledge and supplementation are likely factors, but warned that heart issues and infections remain major risks. He noted that neurological symptoms, like hearing and vision problems, are particularly alarming.
The Ministry of Justice has declined to meet the strikers or their representatives, arguing it would create "perverse incentives" for others. Prisons Minister James Timpson has stated the service has "robust and working" systems for managing such protests.
Five other prisoners have previously paused their hunger strikes, the latest being Teuta Hoxha, who ended her 60-day fast on Saturday.
