Palestinian Activist Heba Muraisi Reflects on Death During Hunger Strike
Statements from Heba Muraisi in Prison
London, United Kingdom – Heba Muraisi, a Palestinian activist affiliated with Palestine Action, is currently on a 72-day hunger strike in prison. Speaking to Al Jazeera, she stated that she "no longer feels hunger" but is suffering from pain and is aware that her death may be imminent. At 31 years old, she responded to questions through a friend who frequently visits her at New Hall prison in Northern England.
"Physically, I am getting sicker as the days go by. I no longer feel hunger; I feel pain," Muraisi said. "I am not thinking about my life but about how or when I might die. Despite this, I have never been stronger mentally, more determined, and more assured. Most importantly, I feel calm and have a great sense of peace."
The activist was arrested on November 19, 2024, for her alleged involvement in a break-in at the UK branch of Israeli defense company Elbit Systems in Bristol. If she survives, she will spend at least a year and a half in prison before her trial, scheduled for June, exceeding the standard six-month limit for pre-trial detention in the UK. She is the longest-serving hunger striker among a group of eight activists who began the protest in November.
"Even though the risks may bring long-term consequences or a devastating end, I believe it's important to fight for justice and freedom," Muraisi added.
Recently, British media has intensified its coverage of the prison protest, noted to be the largest coordinated hunger strike in British history since 1981, when Irish Republican prisoners were led by Bobby Sands. Sands died on the 66th day of his protest, becoming a symbol of the Irish Republican cause.
"I choose to continue this protest because, for the first time in 15 months, I am finally being heard," Muraisi said. Originally from London and of Yemeni descent, she suffers from muscle spasms, respiratory difficulties, severe pain, and a low white blood cell count. In the past nine weeks, she has been hospitalized three times and has at times lost the ability to speak, with her memory deteriorating.
"Focusing is becoming increasingly difficult; I can't read like I used to, so now I listen to a lot of radio shows," she mentioned. "I love music, and it's a pity that I can't get the CDs I desire, but I am still grateful to have songs playing."
Last week, a specialist physician advising the hunger strikers stated to Al Jazeera that he believes Muraisi and another activist have reached a critical phase where death and irreversible health deterioration are becoming more likely. Ahmed's weight has dropped from 74 kg to 56 kg, experiencing issues with cardiac atrophy and chest pain, according to close sources.
The hunger strike activists are among 29 prisoners held in various jails for their alleged involvement in the Bristol incident and a break-in at a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire. They deny the charges against them. Their protest demands bail, the right to a fair trial, and an investigation into Palestine Action, which the UK designated as a "terrorist organization" in July.
Muraisi has also requested to be transferred to HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, as HMP New Hall, where she was moved in October, is about 200 miles from her home. Additionally, she accused prison officials of systematically blocking articles and newspapers related to Palestine sent to her.
