UPDATE: The hunger strike by Amu Gib and Qesser Zuhrah has reached a critical milestone, now entering its 51st day as the UK government continues to refuse meeting the strikers. The situation escalated dramatically today as Gib and fellow hunger striker Kamran Ahmed were rushed to the hospital due to deteriorating health conditions, while Zuhrah was already hospitalized. This urgent development raises serious concerns for their welfare.
The hunger strikers, part of the Prisoners for Palestine group, are currently remanded in British prisons, protesting against their treatment and demanding attention from the government. Their demands include ending censorship within prisons, immediate bail, the right to a fair trial, the de-proscription of Palestine Action, and the closure of Elbit Systems sites in the UK. The group has been on hunger strike since November 2, 2023, with six others joining after Gib and Zuhrah began.
Despite the urgent pleas for intervention, Justice Secretary David Lammy has repeatedly declined requests to meet with the hunger strikers or their legal representatives. The government maintains that such meetings would undermine the independence of the judiciary, a stance that has drawn criticism from various political figures.
In a recent statement, Lammy’s office emphasized that involvement in remand decisions is constitutionally inappropriate, warning that it could set a precedent for other prisoners. Meanwhile, the hunger strikers’ allies argue that their protest is a necessary response to alleged mistreatment by prison authorities, linked to their activism with Palestine Action, which was designated a terrorist organization in July 2023.
The political fallout is intensifying, with support growing among left-leaning MPs. Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South, was seen protesting outside HMP Bronzefield on December 15, 2023, demanding action as she awaited news of Zuhrah’s health. Jeremy Corbyn, a key supporter of the hunger strikers, visited Gib earlier this month and condemned the government’s inaction as “cruel and unusual punishment,” given that their trial is scheduled for January 2027.
With the stakes rising, the government faces mounting pressure as the hunger strikers’ health continues to decline. On average, prisoners who engage in hunger strikes for over 35 days risk entering critical condition, prompting fears of a potential fatality if no action is taken.
As their plight gains momentum, the hunger strikers remain resolute in their demands, and public support is beginning to shift, despite initial hesitance. The situation remains fluid, and the government’s steadfast refusal to engage may lead to dire consequences.
As of now, the hunger strikers continue their protest, and the world watches closely for any signs of change. The urgency of their situation calls for immediate attention, and the next steps will be crucial in determining their fate and the response from the government.
This developing story is far from over, with implications that extend beyond the prison walls into the broader discussion of justice and political activism in the UK.
