Hinda and Heba Muraisi have been close friends since childhood, but two decades later, they are separated by 178 miles and the barriers of incarceration, with Heba facing indefinite imprisonment without trial. Heba is among the remaining members of the Palestine Action group, which has been designated a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom. Members are currently on hunger strikes in various prisons across the country, some of whom have ended their strikes after being hospitalized.
In a phone interview with Maktoob, Hinda expressed deep concern for Heba, stating, “She’s so eloquent […] so with it. It’s inducing a lot of anxiety because, obviously, I want her to stay that way, […] but you can’t be with it for much longer.” She voiced her desire for her friend to end the hunger strike soon.
The hunger strikers are advocating for an end to prison censorship, including restrictions on communication and visits, as well as the de-proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization and the closure of Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons manufacturer. The Filton 24, a collective of hunger strikers, has been in custody on terrorism charges for over a year, accused of causing £1 million in damage to an Elbit factory in Bristol. Elbit Systems is known for supplying quadcopters to the Israeli military, which have been used in operations in Gaza. The first phase of the Filton trial is currently in progress, alongside a judicial review of Palestine Action.
Hinda characterized Heba as “fuelled by love” and someone acutely empathetic to the suffering of others, emphasizing that Heba understands the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza on a personal level due to her Yemeni heritage. “I’m definitely proud of her. What she’s doing is incredibly hard — it takes immense courage. […] So I think she has qualities that are really, really rare, the kind that mark people who bring about change,” she noted.
Heba’s hunger strike, which began on November 2, coincides with the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, and is part of a continuing campaign for urgent government action. Quesser Zuhrah, a fellow hunger striker who ended her protest after 48 days, warned that if the government does not meet their demands, the situation will escalate further.
Despite the visible deterioration in the health of the hunger strikers, British Home Secretary David Lammy has reportedly declined requests from their legal representatives for a meeting. Concerns regarding the risk of organ failure and potential fatalities have been raised by both family members and human rights experts.
On December 26, a statement from UN experts questioned the UK’s compliance with international human rights standards regarding the treatment of hunger strikers, asserting that the state holds full responsibility for the well-being of those in custody. The UN emphasized that hunger strikes should only occur after other protest avenues have been exhausted and condemned any preventable deaths in custody.
Hinda recalled that communication with Heba, currently held at HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire, has been limited. Heba’s transfer from HMP Bronzefield resulted in her being unable to see her mother, who has mobility issues. Hinda accompanied Heba’s mother on previous prison visits and noted that the transfer, allegedly to isolate her, has caused significant anxiety for Heba.
Heba reports improved treatment at her new location but longs to return to Bronzefield solely to see her mother. Much of her hunger strike has been spent confined to her cell, without visits, and barriers such as financial constraints and concerns for Hinda’s safety have further complicated matters.
“There’s a lot of fear in me every day this strike goes on,” Hinda confessed. “You might feel fine, but you might not feel what is happening inside your body.” She stressed the unpredictability of health risks during such a strike, noting that deterioration can happen swiftly.
Still, Heba remains steadfast. On the first day of her hunger strike, she stated, “This is not about dying, because unlike the enemy, I love life.” On day 57, in spite of physical challenges, she expressed unwavering determination: “I am stuffed with rage, and that is why I’m doing what I’m doing. […] Keep going. Keep fighting.”
The emotional toll is evident among the families of the hunger strikers, many of whom express both admiration and fear. A friend of another hunger striker remarked on the observable changes in her comrade, voicing concerns over how much longer she can endure.
Support for the hunger strikers is gaining momentum globally, with protests occurring in various countries against the UK government, Elbit Systems, and the treatment of political prisoners. Campaigners are determined that the hunger strike, which they argue should never have escalated to this level, receives urgent attention.
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