Three individuals who were part of Palestine Action have decided to end their 73-day hunger strike, citing the fulfillment of a key demand. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, and Lewie Chiaramello made the announcement today following the news that defense contractor Elbit Systems UK had been denied a significant government contract worth £2 billion, which would have involved training 60,000 British troops annually.
Heba Muraisi, aged 31, had gone without food for 73 days and was being held at HMP New Hall, far from her loved ones. Her health had deteriorated rapidly, prompting discussions among Members of Parliament about potentially relocating her to HMP Bronzefield for closer proximity to her family.
Kamran Ahmed, who had been hospitalized six times and diagnosed with bradycardia after 66 days of fasting, criticized the government, particularly Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for not meeting their expectations. Lewie Chiaramello, who has type 1 diabetes, was on a modified hunger strike regimen, consuming food every other day.
MP Zarah Sultana recently reported on the health status of Teuta Hoxha, who had ended her 58-day hunger strike and was now suffering from re-feeding syndrome, a dangerous condition caused by prolonged fasting.
Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, has been repeatedly targeted by activists for its involvement in producing weaponry used against Palestinians in Gaza. The company lost the bid for the £2 billion contract to Raytheon UK, a subsidiary of the US defense corporation, as reported by The Times following a selection process that favored Raytheon without detailed explanation.