Qesser Zuhrah, a 20-year-old woman affiliated with the activist group Palestine Action, has been hospitalized after 46 days of a hunger strike while incarcerated at HMP Bronzefield in Kent, England. Her condition has raised significant concerns among supporters and human rights advocates, prompting protests outside the prison demanding urgent medical attention.
Zuhrah began her hunger strike on September 1, 2025, as part of a broader protest by individuals linked to Palestine Action, a group known for its direct action campaigns against companies and institutions perceived to be complicit in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The hunger strike was initiated to draw attention to the treatment of Palestine Action activists in custody and to advocate for their release. The group has been involved in various high-profile actions, including the occupation of buildings and the vandalism of property associated with arms manufacturers.
The protests outside HMP Bronzefield intensified over the past weeks as supporters gathered to voice their concerns over Zuhrah’s health. Activists have claimed that her condition was deteriorating, and they urged prison authorities to provide her with necessary medical care. On October 16, 2025, following mounting pressure from demonstrators and advocacy groups, Zuhrah was transferred to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The implications of this incident extend beyond Zuhrah’s individual case. It highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the treatment of political prisoners in the UK, particularly those associated with controversial movements like Palestine Action. The group has faced scrutiny from law enforcement and the legal system, with many of its members arrested and charged for their actions. Critics argue that the legal responses to Palestine Action’s activities reflect broader societal divisions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the right to protest.
Zuhrah’s hospitalization has also sparked discussions about the ethics of hunger strikes as a form of protest. Hunger strikes have historically been used by political prisoners to draw attention to their causes and demand change. However, they pose significant health risks, and the decision to engage in such a protest is often fraught with moral and ethical considerations. Medical professionals have expressed concern about the potential long-term health consequences of prolonged hunger strikes, particularly for young individuals like Zuhrah.
The situation has drawn responses from various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which have called for the humane treatment of all prisoners and respect for their rights to protest. These organizations have emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals in custody receive adequate medical care, regardless of their political affiliations.
Zuhrah’s case is part of a larger narrative surrounding the treatment of activists in the UK. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of arrests and prosecutions related to protests, particularly those focused on social justice and environmental issues. This trend has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates about the potential chilling effect on free speech and the right to assemble.
As of now, it remains unclear how long Zuhrah will remain hospitalized or what the next steps will be regarding her legal situation. Her supporters continue to rally for her release and for the rights of all political prisoners, emphasizing the need for a fair and just legal process. The outcome of this case may have broader implications for the treatment of activists in the UK and the ongoing discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The hunger strike and subsequent hospitalization of Qesser Zuhrah serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding political activism, the rights of prisoners, and the ongoing struggles for justice and recognition in contentious political landscapes. As the situation develops, it will likely continue to attract attention from both supporters and critics, further fueling the debate over the intersection of activism, law, and human rights.
