Three British activists affiliated with the pro-Palestine Action group are currently engaged in a hunger strike within the UK prison system, prompting concerns about their deteriorating health and raising questions about the long-term effects of prolonged fasting on the human body. Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed have been refusing food for 70 and 63 days, respectively, while Lewie Chiaramello, who has type 1 diabetes, is participating on alternating days, all demanding a fair trial and the reversal of the UK's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, according to Al Jazeera.

The activists are protesting their imprisonment related to alleged break-ins at Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense firm's UK subsidiary in Bristol, and at a Royal Air Force base, where equipment was reportedly damaged. Five other individuals who initially joined the hunger strike have since ceased their participation due to health complications. Friends and relatives have expressed alarm, stating that Muraisi and Ahmed are nearing death but remain resolute in their commitment to continue the strike until their demands are met.

Prolonged hunger strikes, historically employed as a form of non-violent resistance globally, place immense strain on the body. Medical experts note that after several days without food, the body begins to deplete its glucose reserves, leading to the breakdown of fat and muscle tissue for energy. This process, known as ketosis, can result in fatigue, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function. As the strike continues, vital organs, including the heart and kidneys, can suffer irreversible damage, potentially leading to organ failure and death. The specific impact varies depending on individual health, hydration levels, and pre-existing conditions.

Palestine Action, the group to which the activists belong, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and has conducted numerous protests targeting companies they accuse of complicity in Israeli military actions. The UK government's decision to classify the group as a terrorist organization has been met with criticism from some human rights organizations, who argue that it stifles legitimate political expression. The designation grants authorities broader powers to arrest and prosecute individuals associated with the group.

The activists' hunger strike draws parallels to similar acts of protest throughout history, from Mahatma Gandhi's fasts during the Indian independence movement to Irish Republican prisoners' hunger strikes in the 1980s. These actions often serve as a powerful tool to draw attention to political grievances and exert pressure on authorities.

As of January 11, 2026, the British government has not publicly commented on the activists' demands. The situation remains tense, with supporters and family members closely monitoring the health of Muraisi, Ahmed, and Chiaramello, and urging authorities to address their concerns. The outcome of the hunger strike and its potential impact on the UK's policy toward Palestine Action remain uncertain.