UK Pro-Palestine Activists Endure 60 Days on Hunger Strike, Doctors Warn of Irreparable Organ Damage
London, January 8, 2026 — Two activists linked to the direct-action group Palestine Action, Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed, have entered their 60th day of a hunger strike in UK custody, with medical experts warning they are "close to death" and at risk of permanent organ damage if the protest continues.
The activists, who are protesting their treatment while detained, have drawn urgent calls from supporting doctors and lawyers for intervention by UK authorities. Families of the hunger strikers, backed by medical professionals, have highlighted the severe toll on their health after more than eight weeks without food. One of the activists has reportedly been hospitalized multiple times during the strike, underscoring the escalating medical crisis.
Health Deterioration and Medical Warnings
According to reports, Muraisi and Ahmed's prolonged fast has led to critical physical decline. Medical experts supporting their families state that the duo risks "irreparable damage to their organs" due to the extended starvation. Symptoms associated with such extended hunger strikes include extreme weight loss, muscle atrophy, weakened immune systems, and potential failure of vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
"Doctors supporting families of the two activists say they risk irreparable damage to their organs if the situation continues," a statement from supporters noted. The activists' conditions have reportedly worsened to the point where they are described as being on the brink of death, prompting heightened concern among advocates.
Lawyers representing Muraisi and Ahmed have taken action by sending four letters to UK Justice Secretary David Lammy, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the prisoners' deteriorating health. These communications aim to address what the legal team views as inadequate medical oversight and response to the hunger strike.
Context of Palestine Action and Ongoing Protests
Palestine Action, the group to which the activists are linked, has been at the forefront of civil unrest in the UK targeting companies involved in arms sales to Israel. The organization employs direct-action tactics, such as occupying and disrupting factories of Elbit Systems, Israel's largest weapons manufacturer, which has premises across the UK. These protests have intensified since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, with activists arguing that UK firms facilitate what they describe as complicity in Palestinian suffering.
The group has faced repeated arrests and legal challenges. Muraisi and Ahmed's detention stems from actions aligned with these campaigns, though specific charges were not detailed in recent reports. Their hunger strike, which began around early December 2025, protests perceived mistreatment in custody, including conditions they claim exacerbate their health risks.
This incident marks a escalation in tactics amid broader pro-Palestine activism in the UK. Demonstrations have occurred regularly in London and other cities, with clashes between protesters and police drawing international attention. The UK government has designated some protest actions as criminal damage, leading to injunctions against Palestine Action and arrests of dozens of members.
Government Response and Legal Developments
As of January 8, no public response from Justice Secretary Lammy or the Ministry of Justice to the lawyers' letters has been confirmed. UK prison authorities typically monitor hunger strikes closely, providing medical care and, in extreme cases, forced hydration or feeding under legal protocols. However, rights groups have criticized past handling of such protests, citing instances where detainees' conditions were allowed to deteriorate significantly.
The timing coincides with heightened political scrutiny over pro-Palestine activism. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government, in power since July 2024, has balanced support for Israel's right to self-defense with calls for humanitarian aid to Gaza. Justice Secretary Lammy, a prominent Labour figure, has previously advocated for legal reforms but faces pressure from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine constituencies.
Broader Implications for Civil Unrest
This hunger strike occurs against a backdrop of sustained civil unrest linked to the Gaza conflict. In 2025 alone, UK police recorded thousands of arrests during pro-Palestine marches, with groups like Palestine Action responsible for high-profile disruptions at defense sites. The tactic of hunger striking echoes historical protests, such as those by Irish republican prisoners in the 1980s or more recent actions by climate activists.
Medical literature supports the dangers highlighted: studies from the World Medical Association indicate that hunger strikes beyond 40-50 days often lead to life-threatening complications, with mortality rates rising sharply after 60 days. In the UK, precedents like the 2011 case of BNP leader Nick Griffin-inspired protests show authorities sometimes negotiate to end strikes, though outcomes vary.
As Muraisi and Ahmed's conditions worsen, advocates urge immediate intervention to prevent tragedy. The situation tests the boundaries of protest rights, prisoner welfare, and government accountability in a politically charged atmosphere. Whether Lammy convenes with lawyers or authorities implement emergency measures remains uncertain, but the clock is ticking on the activists' survival.
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