Health of Palestine Action hunger strikers reported as deteriorating

Supporters say three Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners on a rolling hunger strike have shown worsening health, with two beyond seven weeks without food and a third fasting intermittently; they will have spent more than 18 months in custody before trial.

Supporters say the health of Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners on a hunger strike has worsened. The rolling strike began on 2 November and involves three people. Supporters report two have refused food for more than seven weeks and a third has fasted every other day while living with type 1 diabetes. The prisoners remain in pre-trial custody and will have spent more than 18 months in jail before their trials. Key facts: - The hunger strike began on 2 November and involves three prisoners associated with Palestine Action. - Supporters report two are beyond seven weeks without food and a third has been fasting intermittently; one participant has type 1 diabetes. - Dr James Smith, an emergency physician and lecturer, said the three are "well into the critical phase" and warned of the risk of rapid decline. - The Ministry of Justice said meeting the prisoners or their representatives would create "perverse incentives", and the prisons minister described the service as experienced in handling hunger strikes. Summary: Supporters and a medical commentator report worsening health among the hunger strikers and note risks of rapid deterioration, while the detainees remain in extended pre-trial custody that exceeds standard limits. Undetermined at this time.