Medical professionals and politicians are raising urgent alarms over the deteriorating health of eight Palestine Action activists who have been on a prolonged hunger strike while in custody awaiting trial. A doctor involved in their care has stated bluntly that the protesters are "dying."
Medical Crisis Behind Bars
Dr James Smith, a qualified emergency physician and lecturer at University College London, has publicly warned that the group requires specialist medical help. His intervention follows reports of substandard monitoring and treatment within the prison system. Last week, over 200 members of the British Medical Association wrote to the BMA to sound the alarm on the situation.
The eight individuals began refusing food in protest at being held in custody while awaiting trial. Their health has since declined sharply, with several having been taken to hospital. According to the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), six of the original eight are continuing their strike steadfastly, while one participates intermittently due to a pre-existing health condition.
The Charges and the Government's Stance
The activists face serious charges related to two separate alleged incidents. Four are accused of involvement in a break-in at an Israeli-linked defence firm, Elbit Systems UK, in Filton, Bristol, in 2024. The other four are charged in connection with an alleged break-in at RAF Brize Norton in June, where they are accused of causing millions of pounds worth of damage to military jets.
These alleged offences took place before Palestine Action was banned under terrorism legislation in July 2025. That ban made membership or support for the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The hunger strikers deny all charges but have been denied bail.
At Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer was challenged by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who claimed there have been "regular breaches of prison conditions and prison rules." Sir Keir responded that established rules and procedures for hunger strikes were being followed. Prisons Minister, Lord Timpson, echoed this, stating the system was "robust and working very well" and that the government would not meet the prisoners or their representatives, citing the separation of powers.
Profiles of the Protesters
The situation has caused profound distress for the families of those on strike, who held a press conference supported by MPs Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.
Qesser Zuhrah, 20, accused over the Elbit Systems incident, was taken to hospital on the 46th day of her strike after protests at HMP Bronzefield.
Amu Gib is on their 47th day without food, charged in relation to the alleged RAF Brize Norton break-in. Jeremy Corbyn has visited them in prison and called for bail.
Heba Muraisi and Teuta Hoxha are also charged in connection with the Elbit action, on day 46 and 40 of their strikes respectively. Teuta's sister, Rahma, said her sister feels "the Government is trying to bury them alive."
Kamran Ahmed, on day 39, has been hospitalised twice since November. His sister reported his heart is "giving in" and he is losing half a kilogram daily.
BBC News reported that two other activists, Muhammad Umer Khalid and Jon Cink, have ended their strikes after 13 and 41 days respectively. Both face charges related to Brize Norton.
The first trials for the group are not scheduled until May 2026 at the earliest, leaving a long and uncertain path ahead for the protesters and their families, who now watch a race between the wheels of justice and the failing health of their loved ones.
