A doctor supporting the families of seven prisoners on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged criminal damage during Palestine Action protests has issued a stark warning: “This is a trajectory that could end in death.”

Six of the activists have refused food for between 26 and 35 days, after being denied bail for their alleged involvement in Palestine Action actions targeting an Elbit Systems arms factory — Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer — and RAF Brize Norton. A seventh prisoner began their hunger strike last week.

“As a healthcare worker, I’m extremely concerned,” said Dr. James Smith, an NHS emergency physician who has been in regular contact with the prisoners’ families.

Among the prisoners’ demands is the de-proscription of Palestine Action, which was banned under terrorism legislation in July.

Last week, a three-day judicial review concluded in the High Court, challenging the Home Office’s unprecedented decision to ban the direct-action group alongside two Russian militias. A ruling is expected in the coming days.

A victory for Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action who brought the case, could have far-reaching consequences — potentially undermining the prosecutions of thousands of people arrested under terrorism laws for actions as simple as holding signs stating: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

Smith, who has not yet visited the prisoners, stressed the medical risks: “For someone who was previously well, without underlying health issues, after around six to eight weeks the risk of death becomes very high.”

The prisoners, many of whom have been held on remand for a year, are also demanding bail, the right to a fair trial, and an end to Elbit Systems’ operations in the UK. Five of the seven were recently discharged from hospital back to prison, where they reported being handcuffed to officers throughout their treatment.

“They’ve been surviving on water and homemade electrolyte mixes—salt and sugar dissolved in water,” Smith said. “They’ve also reported censorship of letters and books, restrictions on communication, and say they consider themselves political prisoners.”

Smith’s biggest concern, he added, is the inadequate medical care in prison.
“If someone is on hunger strike, daily monitoring is essential. But from what I’m hearing, most have not had a single day where a full set of observations—heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, proper weight checks—has been carried out.”

“It cannot be overstated: they have not been convicted of anything.”

Tool Kit for UK Hunger Strikers;

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQUdyvBFw9Ld2iK1e3u_IYaeZVYA04Cx88BHwio8SfQtW9Ile52jOgqYEJpuiq3agkRKdqLDCfzPdlA/pub