The activists, who are part of the proscribed group Palestine Action, began their hunger strike in November while imprisoned in the UK. Their protest centered on what they view as the UK's complicity in the "genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza," according to Prisoners for Palestine, a group supporting the hunger strikers.

Prisoners for Palestine released a statement on Wednesday, hailing the end of the strike as a victory. "Our prisoners hunger strike will be remembered as a landmark moment of pure defiance; an embarrassment for the British state," the statement read. The group asserted that the denial of the UK government contract to the Israeli weapons company subsidiary fulfilled one of the key demands of the hunger strikers.

Palestine Action is a proscribed organization in the UK known for its direct action tactics against companies they accuse of being complicit in Israeli actions against Palestinians. These actions have included protests, property damage, and disruptions of business operations. The group's activities have led to numerous arrests and legal proceedings.

The British government has maintained its position of supporting Israel's right to defend itself while also calling for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The government has not officially commented on the specific case of the denied contract, nor has it directly addressed the demands of the hunger strikers.

The end of the hunger strike marks a temporary pause in the ongoing tensions between Palestine Action and the British government. It remains to be seen whether the denial of the contract will lead to a change in the group's tactics or the government's policies regarding arms sales and support for Israel. Further developments are expected as Palestine Action continues its campaign and the British government navigates its relationship with both Israel and the Palestinian territories.