On January 13 we wrote to the government to demand urgent intervention to end the hunger strikes being undertaken by individuals campaigning against the proscription of Palestine Action and the UK government’s support for Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians.
Dear Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice
Urgent government intervention required to end the hunger strike, and show some compassion and humanity before it is too late
We are writing to you from the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF UK) to add our voice to the urgent public pleas to government ministers to avoid the deaths of highly principled young people on hunger strike in British jails for protesting against the war in Gaza, and to immediately meet with their legal representatives.
Eight Palestine Action activists launched a hunger strike on 2 November 2025 to challenge their proscription as a terrorist group, to demand bail, fair trials, and cessation of UK arms support to Israel through companies like Elbit Systems. Surely the access to bail and fair trials are the cornerstones of the UK justice framework?
Some of the hunger strikers had endured up to 70 days without food by 11 January 2026, and the condition of the four hunger strikers who are now in United Kingdom prisons is seriously deteriorating, according to British media reports on Saturday. According to the Daily Mail, the hunger strikers are only drinking water and a mix of electrolyte solutions to stabilise their blood pressure.
As women, WILPF expects our government to put the welfare of our fellow citizens before the arbitrary proscription of a group of protesters against Israeli actions that many across the globe consider to be genocide of the Palestinian people.
We urgently anticipate hearing that you have taken immediate action in this matter.
Yours in peace
