Three members of Palestine Action have concluded their 73-day hunger strike as they achieved one of their primary demands. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, and Lewie Chiaramello made the announcement today after Elbit Systems UK, a defense contractor, was denied a significant government contract, a key request of the hunger strikers.
Elbit Systems lost the £2 billion contract to train 60,000 British troops annually. Heba Muraisi, aged 31, endured 73 days without food and is currently held at HMP New Hall, far from her loved ones. Her health has deteriorated rapidly, prompting MPs to consider relocating her to be closer to her family.
Kamran Ahmed, who suffered bradycardia after 66 days without food and was hospitalized six times, criticized the government, particularly as a Labour one, expressing disappointment. Lewie Chiaramello, who has type 1 diabetes, was on a food strike every other day.
MP Zarah Sultana shared that Teuta Hoxha, who ended her 58-day hunger strike, is now dealing with re-feeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition arising from prolonged fasting. Zarah Sultana emphasized the critical condition of Teuta Hoxha, who has also been hospitalized.
Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s major arms manufacturer, has been consistently targeted by activists for its involvement in producing armaments used against Palestinians in Gaza. The company lost the bid for the £2 billion soldier training contract to Raytheon UK, a US defense giant subsidiary, as per a Ministry of Defence insider quoted in The Times.
The decision to select Raytheon over Elbit was made after a thorough evaluation process, with the government deeming Raytheon a more suitable candidate without further elaboration.