Seven pro-Palestinian activists, believed to be involved in acts of sabotage against British military facilities, are reportedly on a hunger strike in a UK prison and could be facing life-threatening consequences.
The law firm Imran Khan & Partners has expressed deep concern that their clients might not survive their hunger strike, which highlights demands for concessions, including the release of activists from pretrial detention and the shutdown of defense companies alleged to be supporting Israel.
According to reports from left-wing media, these seven individuals began a “rolling” hunger strike on November 2, coinciding with the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, with the longest participant having abstained from food for 38 days. The group, which consists of eight men, includes some members who are on a part-time hunger strike due to diabetes. They are part of Palestine Action, an organization classified as a terrorist group in the UK, although their arrests occurred before the government made that designation.
Lawyers for the hunger strikers mention that five individuals are currently hospitalized due to complications linked to the hunger strike, adding to the two who previously reported injuries. In a statement, the law firm cautioned that if the situation is not addressed, there is a growing likelihood that these, largely unconvicted, young British individuals could die in custody.
The activists were taken into custody on suspicion of participating in a violent incident at Elbit Systems in Patchway, Bristol on August 6, 2024, and at RAF Brize Norton on June 20, 2025. Reportedly, activists utilized prison trucks as rams to break into the munitions facility while others attempted to fend off authorities or damage the equipment inside.
Earlier court hearings revealed that a police officer was allegedly hit twice with a sledgehammer, suffering a broken hip while on the ground. The individual charged with this act is not one of the hunger strikers, and although the case is still moving through the system, no one has been found guilty yet.
The four hunger strikers associated with Elbit Systems face serious charges, including aggravated theft and criminal damage, with some also accused of violent disorder. Critics argue that the length of pretrial detention for these activists is unusually extended.
Zarah Sultana, a left-wing MP from the pro-Palestinian Everyone Party, criticized the holding of these individuals for over a year without trial, which goes against British law’s guideline of a six-month limit. She has called for their release on bail.
At RAF Brize Norton, the group allegedly infiltrated the military base without detection and vandalized RAF logistics jets using a fire extinguisher filled with paint. The trio charged in this case faces accusations of trespassing in restricted areas and conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
The demands from the hunger strikers range from personal requests to broader political issues. Left-leaning news sources reported that they are seeking immediate bail, unrestricted communication with the outside world, a lifting of the ban on the Palestinian Action Group, and an end to Britain’s dealings with the Elbit system.
Novara Media, a niche leftist publication, criticized the mainstream British media for neglecting the plight of the hunger strikers until they were hospitalized, accusing them of exerting “report control.” The publication also contended that the government, including Attorney General David Lammy, has been unresponsive, despite reports from MPs sympathetic to the strikers stating that they had reached out regarding the issue.
Kamran Ahmed was the first hunger striker admitted to the hospital, followed by Teuta Hoxha. The initial hunger strikers also include Kessar Zurer and Heba Muraishi, while RAF hunger strikers encompass Amy Gardiner-Gibson, John Sink, and activist Am Give, who was also early on the strike. Lastly, Lewi Chiaramero is reportedly participating in intermittent strikes due to health concerns.
