Three individuals participating in a hunger strike organized by Palestine Action have decided to end their 73-day protest after one of their main demands was reportedly met. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, and Lewie Chiaramello made the announcement today following the news that defense contractor Elbit Systems UK did not secure a substantial government contract worth £2 billion to train 60,000 British troops annually.
Heba Muraisi, aged 31, had been fasting for 73 days and is currently detained at HMP New Hall, significantly far away from her loved ones. Recent reports indicate a rapid decline in her health, prompting Members of Parliament to consider relocating her to HMP Bronzefield for closer proximity to her family.
Kamran Ahmed, who had been hospitalized six times, developed bradycardia after 66 days without food. His sister criticized the government, particularly the Labour Party, expressing deep disappointment and emphasizing that Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, should feel ashamed.
Lewie Chiaramello, who has type 1 diabetes, was on a hunger strike regimen of fasting every other day.
In related news, MP Zarah Sultana shared a statement on Monday revealing that Teuta Hoxha, who had ended her 58-day hunger strike, is now dealing with re-feeding syndrome, a dangerous condition that can follow extended periods without food.
Refeeding syndrome is a severe condition triggered by an insulin surge that draws essential nutrients like phosphate, potassium, and magnesium into cells, potentially leading to life-threatening complications such as hypophosphatemia, arrhythmias, heart failure, respiratory weakness, and neurological issues.
Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, has been a target for activists from Palestine Action due to its involvement in producing armaments used against Palestinians in Gaza. The company lost the bid for the £2 billion contract to train soldiers for war to Raytheon UK, a subsidiary of the US defense corporation, as reported by The Times. A Ministry of Defence (MoD) insider cited by the publication stated that Raytheon was deemed the superior candidate without elaborating further on the decision-making process.