London, UK – December 22, 2025 – Two Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners on hunger strike in UK jails have been hospitalized, raising alarm over their deteriorating health after refusing food for 50 days.

Kamran Ahmed, 28, held at Pentonville Prison in London, was admitted on Saturday, according to his sister, Shahmina Alam. Meanwhile, Amu Gib, 30, at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, was hospitalized on Friday, reported the Prisoners for Palestine group and their friend, Nida Jafri. Gib uses the pronoun they.

The hunger strike involves six detainees protesting across five prisons over alleged break-ins at UK sites linked to the Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems in Bristol and a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire. The protesters deny all charges, including burglary and violent disorder.

Rapid Health Decline

Ahmed has lost significant weight, dropping from 74kg (163lbs) upon entering prison to 61.5kg (136lbs) as of last week. His sister warned of serious organ damage, noting rapid weight loss of up to 0.5kg (1.1lbs) per day. Ahmed has experienced slurred speech, chest pains, and high ketone levels. This marks his third hospitalization since beginning the strike.

Gib has lost over 10kg (22lbs) and reportedly requires a wheelchair for medical appointments. Lawyers said they have suffered cognitive effects from inconsistent vitamin supplementation and are highly vulnerable due to immune system decline.

Demands and Legal Context

The hunger strikers demand:

• Immediate bail
• Right to a fair trial
• De-proscription of Palestine Action

The group claims the UK government has blocked communication, including mail, phone calls, and books, while the prisoners remain detained beyond the standard six-month pre-trial limit.

Response from Authorities

HMP Bronzefield stated that prisoners refusing food receive regular medical and mental health assessments. The Ministry of Justice has not commented publicly. Lawyers are seeking intervention from Secretary of State for Justice David Lammy, citing urgent health risks.

Largest Coordinated Hunger Strike in UK Since 1981

Experts note that this is the most significant coordinated hunger strike in UK prisons since the 1981 Irish hunger strikes, led by Bobby Sands. Critics say UK media coverage has been muted compared to historical coverage of political hunger strikes.

“What will it take for the British media to pay attention to the plight of jailed pro-Palestinian activists?” asked Bart Cammaerts, professor of politics at the London School of Economics.