A former hunger striker has issued a stark warning to the UK government, stating activists "will certainly return to battle" in the new year if their demands concerning Palestinian solidarity prisoners are not addressed.
Ultimatum Issued After 48-Day Protest
Qesser Zuhrah, a 20-year-old student, paused her 48-day hunger strike but delivered a forceful message to ministers. She accused the government of preparing for a "blood-soaked break" before returning to the "theatrics" of democracy, vowing to confront them again with "our Empty Stomachs."
Zuhrah, who began her protest on November 2 while on remand at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, is awaiting trial for direct action protests. She has aligned with the group Palestine Action, amplifying their core demands to the authorities.
Key Demands and Prisoner Transfers
The group's demands, described by Zuhrah as "inescapable," include several urgent measures:
- Immediate bail and fair trials for those held.
- The closure of all UK sites operated by defence firm Elbit Systems.
- Dropping all non-association orders and restoring access to activities and courses.
- The transfer of fellow hunger striker Heba Muraisi, 31, back to HMP Bronzefield.
Heba Muraisi's case has drawn particular concern. Initially held at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, she has been moved to HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire, a relocation that places her approximately 200 miles away from her family and support network.
Since the coordinated hunger strike began, seven prisoners have required hospitalisation, including two from HMP Bronzefield, highlighting the deteriorating health situation.
Legal Action and Government Response
The situation has now escalated to the courts. Solicitors representing the hunger strikers sent a pre-action letter to Justice Secretary David Lammy on December 22, notifying him of their intent to commence legal proceedings.
The letter, seen by the Press Association, demands a response within 24 hours, citing the urgent deterioration of their clients' health and the increasing risk of death. It requests an urgent meeting to resolve the crisis.
The group claims to have written to the Deputy Prime Minister previously but received no reply. They accuse the government of neglecting its own prison safety policies, a claim the Ministry of Justice strongly refutes.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated: "We strongly refute these claims. We want these prisoners to accept support and get better, and we will not create perverse incentives that would encourage more people to put themselves at risk through hunger strikes."
In pausing her protest, Zuhrah framed it as a final chance for the government to "get it right" and cease "arming and aiding this genocide." She warned that a future confrontation would be "far more disastrous and dangerous" than the initial hunger strike.
