Palestine Action activists Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed, who recently participated in a weeks-long hunger strike, have called off their strike. They acted on this decision following the British government’s refusal to award Elbit Systems UK a £2 billion contract. The decision came after the pair faced serious charges, including burglary, criminal damage, and conspiracy, related to an incident at a research and development site near Filton, west of London.
32-year-old Heba Muraisi went on a hunger strike for 73 days, while 25-year-old Kamran Ahmed went without food for 66 days. Both activists remain hospitalized, with Ahmed having recently been readmitted due to a heart complication. To focus attention on their demands, they undertook a hunger strike. Their actions brought attention to the work of Elbit Systems, which they say produces weapons that have been used against Palestinians.
In response to their plight, the UK Ministry of Justice released a statement.
“They face serious charges, and no government could agree to their demands, many of which relate to ongoing legal proceedings, including immediate bail, which is a matter for independent judges,” – A justice ministry spokesperson.
Muraisi’s hunger strike ended when the government announced it was cancelling the Elbit Systems contract. This, after having previously requested a transfer to an institution closer to her family in London. She was transferred to a prison hundreds of miles from her ailing mother last year. After the conclusion of her hunger strike, she will be moved back to HMP Bronzefield, west of London.
Muraisi and Ahmed playing a scene from “Filton 24.” This collective of activists, affiliated with Palestine Action, is committed to sabotaging the business of weapons manufacturers linked to the Israeli state. Their actions at the Elbit Systems facility were part of broader protests against the company’s role in military operations.
The decision by the British government to refrain from awarding the contract to Elbit Systems has been significant for the activists. It underscores the need to draw attention to the frustrating and dangerous status quo of arms sales. These contracts have extensive political ramifications in terms of international conflict.
The end of the hunger strike marks this moment as an important victory in their activist journey. It raises urgent questions about the future of Palestine Action and its members. What the group has done has generated both cheers and condemnation. All of these organizations directly confront the day-to-day practices of firms that produce weapons and other military goods.
