What's happened
As of January 13, 2026, three Palestine Action activists detained in UK prisons have been on hunger strike for over 60 days, demanding bail, fair trials, and the de-proscription of their group. Their health is critically deteriorating, with multiple hospitalizations reported. Authorities maintain legal procedures are followed amid growing calls for government intervention.
What's behind the headline?
Critical Analysis of the Hunger Strike
The ongoing hunger strike by Palestine Action activists in UK prisons is a stark manifestation of the intersection between political activism, legal processes, and human rights concerns. The activists' prolonged pre-trial detention—exceeding the UK's standard six-month limit—has escalated tensions, prompting a desperate form of protest that risks irreversible health damage or death.
The UK government's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization has intensified the legal and political stakes, effectively criminalizing the group's activism and complicating bail and trial proceedings. This proscription aligns Palestine Action with globally recognized terrorist groups, which has significant implications for public perception and judicial treatment.
Medical reports indicate that the hunger strikers, particularly Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed, are in critical condition, with symptoms including muscle spasms, heart complications, and cognitive decline. Despite hospitalizations, the activists remain steadfast, underscoring the depth of their commitment and the severity of their grievances.
The government's refusal to engage directly with the hunger strikers or their representatives, citing judicial independence, contrasts with mounting international and domestic pressure for intervention. This stance risks further politicizing the justice system and may erode public trust.
Looking ahead, the situation will likely intensify unless meaningful dialogue occurs. The activists' demands touch on broader issues of civil liberties, state power, and the UK's role in international conflicts. The hunger strike serves as a potent symbol of resistance but also poses a humanitarian crisis that the UK government must address to prevent loss of life and uphold legal and ethical standards.
For readers, this story highlights the complex dynamics of protest within democratic legal frameworks and the human cost of political conflict. It underscores the importance of balancing security concerns with human rights and the rule of law.
What the papers say
The New Arab highlights the deteriorating health of Heba Muraisi, noting she is "increasingly thinking about her death" after 65 days of fasting (The New Arab, Jan 13). Al Jazeera provides detailed accounts of the activists' conditions and demands, quoting Muraisi's statement: "Even though the risks may be lifelong consequences or a devastating end, I think it’s important to fight for justice and for freedom" (Anealla Safdar, Al Jazeera, Jan 13). The Guardian offers a personal perspective from Muraisi's friend, Francesca Nadin, who describes her as "like a paper thing" and quotes her saying, "I’m dying," emphasizing the government's role in her decline (Haroon Siddique, The Guardian, Jan 12).
Contrastingly, UK officials maintain that legal procedures are followed. The UK Prison Minister James Timpson stated, "Prison healthcare teams were closely monitoring the health of the hunger strikers," and denied claims of medical neglect (The Times of Israel, Jan 10). Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized adherence to "rules and procedures" (The Independent, Jan 11).
International solidarity is evident, with figures like Naomi Klein and Angela Davis publicly supporting the strikers (Al Jazeera Staff, Jan 12). Meanwhile, legal representatives have threatened High Court action over the government's refusal to meet the activists' welfare concerns (Anealla Safdar, Al Jazeera, Dec 23).
These sources collectively paint a picture of a humanitarian crisis intertwined with political and legal complexities, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
How we got here
The hunger strike began in November 2024 among eight Palestine Action activists charged with break-ins at UK sites linked to Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems and an RAF base. The UK proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in July 2025, leading to arrests and extended pre-trial detentions exceeding the usual six-month limit. The activists demand bail, fair trials, de-proscription of their group, closure of Elbit sites, and an end to prison censorship.
Go deeper
- What are the main demands of the Palestine Action hunger strikers?
- How is the UK government responding to the hunger strike?
- What are the health risks faced by the hunger strikers?
Common question
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Why Are Prisoners on Hunger Strike Now in the UK?
Recent reports highlight a critical situation involving UK prisoners, specifically members of Palestine Action, who have been on a hunger strike since November. This protest raises important questions about their reasons for striking, their health risks, and how the government is responding. If you're wondering what’s behind this crisis and what it means for human rights and justice, read on to find clear answers to your most pressing questions.
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Why Are Prisoners on Hunger Strike in the UK?
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Why Are Palestinian Activists in the UK on Hunger Strike?
Recent protests by Palestinian activists detained in the UK have drawn significant attention due to their ongoing hunger strikes. These activists are protesting their detention conditions, alleged mistreatment, and political restrictions. Many are concerned about their health and legal rights, raising questions about how the UK government is responding and what this means for human rights. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this urgent issue.
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Why Are Palestinian Activists in the UK on Hunger Strike?
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What’s happening with the hunger strikes in the UK?
Recent protests involving Palestinian activists detained in the UK have escalated into a critical hunger strike, raising urgent questions about human rights, legal rights, and government responses. Many are wondering why these protests are happening, what the detainees are demanding, and what the UK government is doing about it. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding this developing story and answer common questions about the situation.
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Why Are UK Activists on Hunger Strike and What Are Their Demands?
In recent weeks, UK activists linked to Palestine Action have been on a prolonged hunger strike, raising urgent questions about human rights, government response, and political activism. This page explores why these activists are fasting, what they are demanding, and what this means for justice and civil rights in the UK. If you're wondering about the risks they face, the government's stance, or the broader implications, keep reading for clear answers.
More on these topics
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Palestine Action is a pro-Palestinian protest network that uses direct action tactics to shut down and disrupt multinational arms dealers. In particular, the group targets UK-based operations that provide weapons used in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict
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David Lindon Lammy PC FRSA is a British Labour Party politician serving as Member of Parliament for Tottenham since 2000, and has served as Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor in Keir Starmer's Shadow Cabinet since 2020.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Elbit Systems Ltd. is an Israel-based international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world.
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Robert Gerard Sands was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army who died on hunger strike while imprisoned at HM Prison Maze in Northern Ireland.
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Naomi A. Klein is a Canadian author, social activist, and filmmaker known for her political analyses, support of ecofeminism, organized labour, left-wing politics and criticism of corporate globalization, fascism and capitalism.
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Angela Yvonne Davis is an American political activist, philosopher, academic, and author. She is a professor emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
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Sally Rooney is an Irish author and screenwriter. Her debut novel, Conversations with Friends, was published in 2017. It was followed by Normal People in 2018. Normal People was adapted into a 2020 TV series.
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Zarah Sultana (born 31 October 1993) is a British politician who has served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Coventry South since 2019. She was a Labour Party MP until July 2024 when she had the whip suspended for voting against the government to scrap...
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.