Three individuals participating in a hunger strike organized by Palestine Action have decided to conclude their 73-day protest as they claim one of their primary demands has been met. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, and Lewie Chiaramello announced their resolution to end their hunger strikes today following the news that defense contractor Elbit Systems UK had been denied a significant government contract, a key demand of the hunger strikers.
Elbit Systems lost the bid for a £2 billion contract that would have 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, more than 200 miles away from her loved ones. Recent reports indicate a rapid deterioration in her health, prompting MPs to consider relocating her back to HMP Bronzefield to be closer to her family.
Kamran Ahmed, who has been hospitalized six times and diagnosed with bradycardia after fasting for 66 days, has faced criticism from his sister directed at the government, especially given its Labour affiliation. She emphasized disappointment, particularly noting Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s background as a former human rights lawyer, suggesting he should feel ashamed.
Lewie Chiaramello, who has type 1 diabetes, was following a pattern of abstaining from food every other day as part of his hunger strike. A report from MP Zarah Sultana highlighted the condition of Teuta Hoxha, who ceased her hunger strike after 58 days and is now grappling with re-feeding syndrome, as detailed by the Mirror earlier this week.
Refeeding syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by prolonged fasting, characterized by an insulin surge that leads to the movement of phosphate, potassium, and magnesium into cells. This shift can result in severe complications such as hypophosphatemia, arrhythmias, heart failure, respiratory weakness, and neurological issues.
Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s leading arms manufacturer, has been repeatedly targeted by activists associated with Palestine Action due to its involvement in producing weaponry utilized against Palestinians in Gaza. The company had been heading one of two competing consortia vying for the £2 billion military training contract, with the Ministry of Defence opting for the consortium led by Raytheon UK, a subsidiary of the US defense corporation, over Elbit Systems UK, as disclosed by The Times today. An MoD source cited in the report mentioned that Raytheon was deemed the superior choice after a thorough evaluation process, although no specific reasons were provided.