The only remaining hunger striker, Umer Khalid, has declared his intention to commence a thirst strike if his new demands are not met. Umer, aged 22 and diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, ceased eating two weeks ago and has been receiving fluids containing electrolytes, sugars, and salts. However, he plans to stop all fluid intake starting this Saturday, hoping that this extreme measure will prompt the authorities to address his requests.
Originally from Manchester, Umer faces charges related to incidents at the RAF Brize Norton facility, where pro-Palestine activists vandalized two military aircraft in June. Speaking from HMP Wormwood Scrubs, where he has been in custody since July, Umer emphasized the necessity of significant actions to draw attention to his plight and aspirations.
The group Prisoners for Palestine has outlined several demands to the government, including the cessation of all censorship on prisoners’ communications, immediate release on bail, fair trial rights, disclosure of communications between Elbit Systems and the British government, and the closure of Elbit facilities in the UK.
Umer also seeks an investigation into alleged British involvement in Israeli military operations in Gaza and the public release of surveillance footage from RAF spy flights over Gaza in April 2024. The group has contacted the Home Secretary, urging government representatives to engage with Umer’s representatives to resolve the hunger strike safely.
Scheduled for trial in January 2027, Umer has spent a significant period in prison, during which the group alleges he has suffered severe mistreatment and violations of his religious and welfare rights. Despite concerns over his health, Umer has requested that prison staff refrain from intervening should he lose consciousness.
Francesca Nadin, a spokesperson for Prisoners for Palestine, criticized the British government for neglecting Umer’s situation and called for immediate state intervention. The Ministry of Justice has expressed concern over Umer’s refusal of fluids and assured that prisoners are under close medical supervision, with plans for hospitalization if necessary.
Following public pressure, the UK government decided against awarding a defense contract to Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, due to ongoing protests regarding their involvement in Gaza. Despite this, Elbit’s UK sites remain operational, as the government declined to grant a Ministry of Defence contract for training British troops.
Recent discussions in Parliament have revolved around the potential transfer of a Palestine Action activist on hunger strike to HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, following an urgent appeal from MP Barry Gardiner. The move aims to facilitate visits from the activist’s disabled mother.
To access news promptly, select Daily Mirror as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.