Two hunger strikers pause action amid continued escalation of demands

Two political prisoners participating in an ongoing hunger strike in protest against their treatment and the UK government’s complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza have announced a pause in their strike, following weeks of sustained resistance and public mobilisation.

The hunger strike, which began in response to enforced disappearances, isolation measures, and wider injustices faced by Palestinian prisoners and their supporters, has drawn significant public attention and solidarity actions across the UK and beyond.

The decision to pause the hunger strike does not signal an end to resistance. Rather, it marks a strategic moment within a broader campaign of escalation, as the prisoners’ core demands remain unmet.

In a statement released yesterday, hunger striker Qesser emphasised that the pause was not due to physical defeat, but political resolve:

“This pause is not because our bodies have betrayed our minds, nor our minds this struggle - but because of the betrayal of our government… Our bodies may be weaker, but make no mistake about our determination (...)

“To our Government, do not release your breath, because we will certainly return to Battle you with our Empty Stomachs in the New Year, when you have shamefully returned from your blood-soaked break, to the theatrics of your ‘democracy’. Our Demands however remain inescapable, and this pause is your chance to meet them, to get it right, to stop arming and aiding this genocide, otherwise you will force us to return to confront you with our breaths, which will be far more disastrous and dangerous than this first time”

Qesser further stressed that responsibility now lies with the UK government to act, warning that failure to meet the prisoners’ demands will result in renewed and intensified resistance.

In addition to the five original demands, the hunger striking prisoners have announced three further demands, reflecting the expanding scope of their struggle and the urgent need for accountability:

• Drop all Non-Association Orders
• Provide access to activities and educational courses
• Immediately transfer Heba to HMP Bronzefield

Supporters have made clear that the pause in the hunger strike must not be mistaken for de-escalation. As stated by the prisoners and their supporters today: Escalation will continue until all demands are met.