Umer Khalid’s Health Deteriorates as Hunger Strike Continues
In a deeply concerning development, Umer Khalid, the last remaining Palestine Action prisoner on a hunger strike, has stopped drinking water, prompting a doctor to issue a stark warning that he could die within days. Khalid, 22, has been on strike since November, protesting against charges he faces for alleged break-ins or criminal damage carried out on behalf of Palestine Action.
The Genetic Disorder That Exacerbates Risk
Khalid’s situation is further complicated by his underlying health condition: limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness. This condition makes him particularly vulnerable to the effects of dehydration and starvation. Dr. Rupa Marya, a physician who has been monitoring Khalid’s condition, has warned that without fluid intake, people typically die of acute kidney failure and other complications within three to four days. Given Khalid’s pre-existing condition, the risk is even greater.
The Broader Context of the Protest
Khalid and seven other individuals initially embarked on the hunger strike in protest against charges they were facing for actions allegedly taken in support of Palestine Action, a group that campaigns against companies involved in the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The charges include alleged break-ins and criminal damage. While the other protesters have since ended their hunger strikes, Khalid has continued, resuming his fast after a brief pause during the Christmas period when he became unwell.
A Government Decision Brings Partial Victory
The decision by the UK government not to award a £2bn contract to Elbit Systems UK, an Israeli arms company subsidiary, was a key demand of the protesters and marked a significant victory for Palestine Action. The Ministry of Defence’s decision to withhold the contract, which would have involved training 60,000 British troops annually, reflects a shift in government policy towards companies with ties to Israel’s military actions.
Despite this victory, Khalid has chosen to continue his protest, citing the broader issue of the UK government’s support for companies involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The group Prisoners for Palestine, which is supporting Khalid, has called for the charges against all protesters to be dropped entirely.
Dr. Marya’s Concerns and the Larger Implications
Dr. Marya, who is currently suspended by the University of California in San Francisco for her online comments about Israel’s war in Gaza, has been a vocal critic of the UK’s stance on the issue. She has sued the university, claiming her right to freedom of speech was violated. In her comments about Khalid’s condition, she drew a direct link between his personal sacrifice and the UK government’s policies.
“While the UK government is making plans to build skyscrapers over the remains of Gaza’s buried children, Khalid’s actions expose the absolute barbarity and racist hypocrisy of the UK legal system,” Marya said. “By Monday, if the UK government continues to stall, we can expect this young man to be well in the process of dying if not dead.”
The Human Cost of the Conflict
The case of Umer Khalid underscores the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to protest against what they perceive as injustice. The hunger strike has drawn attention to the plight of Palestinians and the role of UK-based companies in the conflict, prompting a broader debate about ethical investments and military contracts.
The Road Ahead
As Khalid’s health continues to deteriorate, the pressure on the UK government to act is mounting. The decision regarding the Elbit Systems UK contract was a significant step, but the broader issue of charges against protesters remains unresolved. The coming days will be critical for Umer Khalid, and his case highlights the intersection of personal health, political protest, and government policy. The international community is watching, and the outcome of this protest could have far-reaching implications for how such issues are addressed in the future.
