Release the hunger strikers, lift the proscription of Palestine Action
UK Friends of Standing Together condemns the treatment, lengthy pre-trial detention, and prosecution of the Palestine Action-affiliated remand prisoners on hunger strike protesting their conditions of detention.
Their mistreatment in prison, neglecting their welfare while refusing food, lengthy imprisonment without even having been found guilty of anything, and arrest under anti-terrorism legislation are part of a wider clampdown on free speech and the right to protest; as is the proscription of Palestine Action.
Whilst UKFoST supporters have a range of views on Palestine Action’s perspectives and strategies, and those of the prisoners on hunger strike, as an organisation we believe the severe repression of activists for non-violent direction action is dangerous.
Six prisoners are on hunger strike, with two refusing food for more 45days as we write, at risk of death and long-term health repercussions.
In at least one case the prisoner, Qesser Zuhruh, had to be rushed to hospital. This was despite repeated calls for the government to intervene given the state of her and other prisoners’ health.
We call on the government and prison authorities to:
Allow the prisoners to freely communicate with their legal counsel
Grant immediate bail for all
Drop all allegations of ‘terrorism connections’
End the proscription of Palestine Action
Drop all charges of individuals who have taken non-violent direct action targeting weapons manufacturers and military equipment
Furthermore we reiterate the demands on the UK government in our previous statement opposing the proscription of Palestine Action:
Use diplomatic and political pressure to push for an immediate real ceasefire, starting with Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, stopping bombing, ending the blockade, and putting a stop to settler violence in the West Bank
Hugely increase aid to Gaza and the West Bank
End all arms licenses to Israel
To push for genuine peace and security between Palestine and Israel, including the end to the occupations and for the establishment of a real and independent Palestinian State
Posted 20 December 2025