Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old pro-Palestine activist currently held in a UK remand prison, has announced plans to extend his hunger strike by refusing fluids in addition to food. He aims to pressure authorities to address his demands, which include immediate bail and investigations into Britain’s involvement in the Gaza conflict.
Hunger Strike Escalation
Khalid has been on hunger strike for 13 days, during which he has continued to receive fluids containing electrolytes, sugars, and salts. However, he intends to stop drinking altogether starting Saturday. Medical experts note that while the human body can survive weeks without food, dehydration can cause fatal consequences much more rapidly.
This development follows the recent end of hunger strikes by three other Palestine Action-affiliated remand prisoners, who cited improvements in prison conditions and political developments as reasons to stop. Khalid remains the only one continuing his protest.
Demands and Background
Khalid’s demands include:
- Immediate bail
- End to alleged censorship in prison, including withheld mail, calls, books, and visitation rights
- An official inquiry into Britain’s alleged involvement in Israeli military operations in Gaza
- Release of surveillance footage from Royal Air Force spy flights over Gaza on April 1, 2024, when British aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike
Khalid is one of five activists accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton, the UK’s largest airbase, in June 2024. They reportedly spray-painted two Voyager planes, causing significant damage. The UK government has designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, a move criticized by some as disproportionate given the group’s nonviolent objectives.
Legal and Political Context
Khalid denies charges of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and entering a prohibited place for purposes prejudicial to UK safety. He is among eight remand prisoners linked to Palestine Action who began a rolling hunger strike in November 2024.
The UK government has stated that decisions on bail rest with the judiciary and maintains that prison welfare protocols are being followed. Efforts to initiate an official inquiry into UK involvement in Gaza have been blocked in Parliament, and the Ministry of Defence has withheld details about RAF surveillance footage, citing national security.
Family Concerns and Health Risks
Khalid’s family has expressed deep concern for his health, especially as he has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a condition causing muscle weakness. His mother described the emotional toll and difficulties in visiting him at Wormwood Scrubs prison, located 200 miles from their home.
Despite his condition, Khalid reports feeling mentally and physically strong and spends time praying and reading. His trial is scheduled for January 2027, by which time he will have been detained for over 18 months, exceeding the usual pre-trial detention limit.
Support and Advocacy
Advocates for Khalid and the hunger strikers emphasize the seriousness of his protest and criticize the government’s refusal to engage with his demands. Prisoners for Palestine, a supporting group, noted that Khalid has requested no medical intervention if he loses consciousness during his strike.
Friends and family continue to support Khalid’s cause while hoping for his safety as he undertakes this drastic form of protest.
