Three individuals engaged in a hunger strike under the banner of Palestine Action have called off their 73-day protest after achieving a key demand. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, and Lewie Chiaramello made the announcement today following the denial of a significant government contract to defense contractor Elbit Systems UK, a demand central to their protest.
Elbit Systems lost out on a £2 billion contract that involved training 60,000 British troops annually, as revealed today. Heba Muraisi, aged 31, has endured 73 days without food and is currently detained at HMP New Hall, over 200 miles away from her loved ones. Her health has deteriorated rapidly in recent days, prompting MPs to consider relocating her back to HMP Bronzefield for closer proximity to her family.
Kamran Ahmed, who has been hospitalized six times, was diagnosed with bradycardia after fasting for 66 days. Criticizing the government, his sister expressed profound disappointment, particularly since it is a Labour government, emphasizing that Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, should feel ashamed.
Lewie Chiaramello, who has type 1 diabetes, was participating in the hunger strike by abstaining from food every other day. MP Zarah Sultana disclosed in a statement reported by the Mirror that Teuta Hoxha, who ended her 58-day hunger strike, is currently suffering from re-feeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition arising from extended periods without food.
Refeeding syndrome poses severe risks, driven by an insulin surge that causes the redistribution of essential nutrients within the body. Zarah Sultana, speaking through Prisoners for Palestine, indicated that Teuta Hoxha has been hospitalized post-hunger strike, facing imminent death due to potential complications related to re-feeding syndrome.
Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, has faced recurrent activism from Palestine Action due to its involvement in producing armaments utilized against Palestinians in Gaza. The company was vying for a £2 billion contract to train soldiers for combat, but the Ministry of Defence opted for a rival consortium led by Raytheon UK, a subsidiary of the US defense corporation, as reported by The Times today.
According to an MoD insider cited by the paper, Raytheon was deemed a superior candidate following a comprehensive evaluation, though specific details were not provided.