The Palestine Action hunger strike has ended after 73 days. The strikers succeeded in drawing attention not just to the actions of the Israeli state, but also both the complicity of the British state in supporting the Israeli war machine, and its repressive actions at home.
It is reported to have ended after one of the prisoner’s key demands was met: the British government decided not to award contracts to Elbit systems, a major supplier weapons of war to the Israeli state. This is a partial victory, but of course the flow of weapons has not stopped and will not stop. The only way in which it will be halted is through determined action by workers, especially those in key positions, such as dockworkers.
Other key demands were not met. The prisoners are not released on bail whilst awaiting trial and Palestine Action will not be de-proscribed. There were other gains however. Heba Muraisi went for 73 days without food. She ended her hunger strike after the prison service said that they would reconsider her request to be moved to HMP Bronzefield in order to be closer to friends and family. This had become Muraisi’s key demand. There are also signs that severe restrictions on communications with the prisoners will be lifted.
Kamrad Ahmed has been hospitalised six times and was diagnosed with the condition bradycardia after 66 days without food. Bradycardia can result in poor blood supply to essential organs. Symptoms of bradycardia include: shortness of breath, confusion, dizziness, chest pain and fatigue.
Lewie Chiaramello, who has type one diabetes, has been refusing food every other day.
Tueta Hoxha came off hunger strike after 58 days but is reported to be suffering from re-feeding syndrome which can be fatal. This condition occurs when people eat again after a long time without food and the body is unable to cope with the types of food being eaten as well as the quantities.
All of the hunger strikers will need very close medical support in order to recover from their terrible ordeals. If any one of them is disabled of even worse dies, the UK government will still carry the responsibility.
