Three members of the group Palestine Action have ended their 73-day hunger strike after achieving one of their key demands. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, and Lewie Chiaramello made the decision to cease their hunger strikes as the defense contractor Elbit Systems UK lost a significant government contract worth £2 billion to train 60,000 British troops annually.
Heba Muraisi, aged 31, endured 73 days without food and is currently detained at HMP New Hall, far from her loved ones. Her health has significantly worsened in recent days, prompting discussions among MPs to potentially relocate her to HMP Bronzefield to be closer to her family.
Kamran Ahmed, who suffered six hospitalizations and was diagnosed with bradycardia after 66 days of fasting, criticized the government for the outcome. His sister expressed deep disappointment, especially considering the government is led by the Labour party and highlighted the Prime Minister’s background as a former human rights lawyer, urging him to feel ashamed.
Lewie Chiaramello, who has type 1 diabetes, partook in his hunger strike by abstaining from food every other day.
MP Zarah Sultana disclosed that Teuta Hoxha, who ended her 58-day hunger strike, is now battling re-feeding syndrome, a life-threatening condition caused by prolonged fasting that triggers an insulin surge leading to potential complications like hypophosphatemia, arrhythmias, heart failure, respiratory issues, and neurological problems.
Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s prominent arms manufacturer, has faced ongoing opposition from activists due to its involvement in producing armaments used in Gaza. The company lost the bid for the £2 billion contract to Raytheon UK, a subsidiary of the US defense giant, as per a Ministry of Defence insider, who cited Raytheon as a superior candidate without further elucidation.
