Category World News

The Palestine Action group, which has been designated a terrorist organization in the UK, is holding regular hunger strikes in various prisons throughout the nation.

Four more Palestine Action members have put an end to their hunger strikes, some of which came after being hospitalized.

What are the four hunger strikers’ current statistics?

Why are Palestine Action protesters on a hunger strike?

For more than 50 days, prisoners who are imprisoned for Palestine Action have been conducting hunger strikes in UK prisons.

The members of Palestine Action are currently serving time in prison for their alleged involvement in break-ins, including those at the UK subsidiary of Elbit Systems in Filton, near Bristol, where reportedly equipment was damaged, and at an Oxfordshire Royal Air Force base where two military aircraft were sprayed with red paint.

The prisoners deny the charges brought against them, including violent disorder and burglary.

Three of the four who are still on hunger strikes were imprisoned in November 2024 for allegedly engaging in break-ins at the UK subsidiary of Israeli weapons company Elbit Systems in Filton, near Bristol, where reportedly equipment was harmed. One person has been imprisoned since July 2025 after allegedly causing damage to two military aircraft with red paint at a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire.

Palestine Action, a protest group founded in July 2020, describes itself as a “movement committed to ending global participation in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime.”

On July 2, 2025, the UK parliament approved a proscription of the organization, putting it under the same umbrella as armed organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). Critics decried the action, contending that while group members have damaged property, they have not carried out violent acts that constitute terrorism.

In the three months following the introduction of the ban, more than 1,600 people were arrested in connection with Palestine Action. The court has ruled against the ban.

The hunger strikers want immediate bail, the right to a fair trial, the release of documents related to “the ongoing witch-hunt of activists and campaigners,” ending censorship of their communications, “de-proscribing” Palestine Action, and shutting down Elbit Systems, which runs several UK factories.

According to pro-Palestine activist Audrey Corno, “the UK government has forced their bodies to a breaking point.”

The prisoners’ and people’s’ resistance to the genocide in Gaza, as well as Israel’s genocide, will not be ended, according to a promise to the government.

Who are the hunger strikers still active?

The four people who are continuing their hunger strikes are Heba Muraisi, Ahmed, Kamran, Teuta Hoxha, and Chiaramello, Lewie, all between the ages of 20 and 31.

Heba Muraisi

On Thursday, Muraisi, 31, was on her hunger strike’s day 60. She is a prisoner in Wakefield, a prison in West Yorkshire, about 180 miles (290 kilometers) north of London, in the HMP [His Majesty’s Prison].

Muraisi was detained in November 2024 for her alleged involvement in a Bristol, Israel-based company’s alleged involvement in an August 2024 raid that is thought to have cost the Israeli weapons manufacturer more than $ 1.34 million.

Muraisi is reportedly of Yemeni descent, according to reports on social media. Al Jazeera was unable to independently verify this, however.

She left HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, which is located about 18 miles from the UK capital, and was transferred to the West Yorkshire prison in October 2025.

Heba wants to return to HMP Bronzefield, according to reports. She was abruptly and far from her entire family, which is based in London, when she was transferred. She has been the victim of repeated medical error. Her body is becoming increasingly weak, according to Corno.

Muraisi stated in a statement to Al Jazeera on December 29 that he had been “force-fed repression and stuffed with rage,” and that is why he is doing what he does now. After a year of imprisonment and human rights violations, I’m raising awareness of the unjust application of UK laws by our government. “Keep fighting, keep going.”

According to the protest group Prisoners For Palestine, Muraisi’s trial is scheduled for June 2026.

Ahmed, Kamran

Ahmed, 28, is being detained in HMP Pentonville in north London along with him in November 2024. He was also detained for allegedly helping to raid Elbit Systems in Bristol. Ahmad has been on a hunger strike for more than 50 days.

Ahmed is a mechanic, according to a report from Middle East Eye.

Ahmed refused to eat and was taken to the hospital for a third time on December 20, according to his sister Shahmina Alam.

In late December, Alam told Al Jazeera, “We know that he’s been losing weight quickly, losing up to half a kilogramme [1.1 lbs] per day.”

Ahmed, who is 180cm (5′11′), entered prison at a healthy 74kg (163lbs), but his last recorded weight was 60kg (132lbs).

Corno reported that Kamran had recently been in a fourth hospital.

Teuta Hoxha

Hoxha, 29, was on Thursday’s day 54 of her hunger strike. At HMP Peterborough, she is being held. She was also detained in November 2024 on suspicion of part in the Elbit Systems raid.

On the day UK parliamentarians approved propping up Palestine Action – July 2, 2025, Hoxha was moved, according to Prisoners for Palestine, from HMP Bronzefield.

Corno revealed to Al Jazeera that she has been experiencing heart palpitations and that she regularly communicates with Hoxha. She has been unable to sleep for weeks straight at night. Her memory seems to be starting to deteriorate.

Hoxha said in a statement posted on the Prisoners for Palestine website that “this is a witch hunt, not a fair fight, and that the palpably desperate attempt to force us all under the imperial boot of submission” is behind the arrests of dissenting voices under counterterrorism powers, holding us on remand without trial for nearly two years, and targeting protesters who condemn Palestinian suffering.

Chiaramello, Lewie

Because of his type 1 diabetes, Chiaramello, 22, has been fasting each day. He is currently on his hunger strike’s 28th day.

According to Prisoners for Palestine, he has been detained in HMP Bristol since July 2025 in connection with a RAF Brize Norton incident and is accused of conspiring to enter a restricted area for purposes defaming the UK’s safety and interests as well as conspiring to commit criminal damage. His trial is set for January 18, 2027.

A group of Palestine Action activists reportedly caused $ 9.4 million worth of damage by sprayed red paint on two military aircraft at the largest Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire on June 20 when they broke into RAF Brize Norton.

Corno explained that he has been relying on his own, without the aid of any medical advice.

Who else has been on a hunger strike?

Four more Palestine Action prisoners have resumed their hunger strikes, the majority of which have taken place after being hospitalized.

At Bronzefield prison in Surrey are Qesser Zuhrah, 20, and Amu Gib, 30, both of whom are detained. The pair began their hunger strikes on November 2 to coincide with Britain’s commitment to Palestine as a Jewish nation in the Balfour Declaration of 1917.

More than a month after the floods, Indonesia’s survivors are still residing in complete ruin and frantically trying to survive. Jessica Washington from Aceh uploaded this update to Al Jazeera.

In exchange for Israel’s recognition, Somaliland has refuted claims that it agreed to host Israeli military installations and resettle Palestinians who had fled Gaza.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in contrast, said its cooperation with Israel was “purely diplomatic” and carried out “in full respect of international law” on Thursday.

The president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, made the denial in response to accusations that the country had accepted three demands from Israel, including the establishment of a military base on the Gulf of Aden coast, and adhering to the Abraham Accords, which would normalize relations with Israel.

As Hargeisa officials pressed for recognition, reports began to surface that Somaliland was interested in supporting Israel’s widely criticized goal of ethnic cleansing Palestinians.

Contrary to other nations rumored to be of interest to Israel, Somaliland’s foreign minister stated that no discussions had taken place regarding the matter but stopped short of rejecting the possibility.

Only the most recent condition has been made known in the eyes of the public.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that Somaliland would support the Abraham Accords by saying that he wanted to “support a democratic, moderate country, a Muslim country, that wants to join the Abraham Accords.”

After more than three decades of unsuccessful attempts by the breakaway region of Somalia, Israel became the first nation to grant the nation its first official statehood last week.

“A cover for Israeli objectives”

According to Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, Somaliland’s president Abdurrahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, plans an official visit to Israel in the coming weeks.

According to sources, Abdullahi’s official engagement with the Abraham Accords could start as early as January 2nd, according to sources.

During a video call to announce the mutual recognition, Netanyahu initially invited Cirro.

The president of Somalia reaffirmed that Israel’s recognition “was not just a diplomatic gesture but a cover for specific, high-stakes Israeli strategic objectives.”

He alleged that Israel would “export its problem to the Horn of Africa” and that it would “open a box of evils in the world” as a result.

Analysts point to the region’s strategic position at the entrance to the Red Sea, where Yemen’s Houthis imposed a naval blockade on Israeli-linked shipping before the US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza and fired rockets at Israel, despite the country’s continued libel.

According to a report released in November by the Israeli think tank Institute for National Security Studies, “Somaliland’s territory could serve as a front base” for Houthis’ intelligence surveillance and “a platform for direct operations” against them.

According to the statement made by Somaliland’s former intelligence chief, Mostafa Hasan, earlier this week, the Houthis claimed any Israeli presence would constitute a declaration of war.

concerns and condemnation

Regional concerns were downplayed by Somaliland’s foreign minister on Wednesday, telling Israel’s i24NEWS that while some nations “feel Israel establishing a relationship will cause their downfall,” these worries were unfounded.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Las Anod, and other cities on December 30 to demand unity and waving Somali flags.

The African Union and the European Union both criticized Israel’s decision, while more than 50 nations criticized the decision.

Despite the backlash, Somaliland’s president promised that “many more nations will soon formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland” on New Year’s Eve.

Despite maintaining its own government, currency, and military, the region declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during a civil war, but it has never received international recognition.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) enters the knockout phase as the new year rolls along, with the start of the round of 16 on Saturday, with an action-packed group stage now in the backseat.

What is the complete history of the eight fixtures?

Senegal vs. Sudan

When: January 3, 5pm/16: 00 GMT
Where: Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier

Senegal, the lowest-ranked team in the competition and making its debut in the knockout stages for the first time in 14 years, kicks off their AFCON round-of-16 campaign against Sudan, the tournament’s opening opponent.

Senegal defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo on goal difference to finish top of Group D with seven points.

The 2022 champions will start as clear favorites with the addition of Kalidou Koulibaly, who was sent off in their final group game, despite having strong attacking firepower in Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane.

Equatorial Guinea defeated the 117th-ranked Sudan, making it one of the four best third-placed teams to earn three points in Group E. This marked only their second-ever victory at AFCON since 1970, when they won the trophy.

Sudan’s football team’s progress in the last-16 comes amid ongoing hostility at home, which is a significant accomplishment. Since fighting broke out between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, war has&nbsp been ravaged by Sudan.

Tunisia vs. Mali

When: January 3, 8pm local/19: 00 GMT
Where: Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca

As Group A runners-up Mali take on Group C’s second-placed Tunisia in this round-of-16 showdown, two well-known AFCON opponents square off against one another.

Tunisia advanced with four points thanks to one win and one draw while Mali won all three of their group games. Although neither side intentionally elevated the group stage, both could use this as a reset and raise their level.

Tunisia and Mali have met 15 times in a row in both competitive and friendly matches, with Tunisia holding a slight lead with seven victories over Mali’s five, with three games ending in draws. Their most recent meeting took place at AFCON in January 2024, when they finished the group stage 1-1.

Amadou Haidara, who was sent off late in Mali’s previous game, will miss the tournament because he finished second overall in 1972.

Morocco vs. Tanzania

When: January 4, 5pm/16: 00 GMT
Where: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat

Morocco, the host country in Africa, is scheduled to meet with Tanzania, who has completed a 45-year wait to qualify for the AFCON knockouts. With just two points from its first three Group C games, Tanzania edged out Angola in the final 16 behind the top four third-placed teams in the scoring table.

Morocco, on the other hand, won Group A with seven points from two victories and a draw. The Atlas Lions won their final group game 3-0 over Zambia despite being tipped to be the overwhelming favorites, but they faced early criticism after a grueling defeat to minnows Comoros and a draw with Mali.

50 years after Morocco’s first AFCON triumph, coach Walid Regragui is aiming for the nation’s second continental crown, which he had previously apologised to irritable fans for for the team’s underwhelming performance.

Cameroon vs. South Africa

When: January 4, 8pm local/19: 00 GMT
Where: Al Barid Stadium in Rabat

A five-goal thriller against Zimbabwe was ended by Oswin Appollis’ late penalty, which sealed South Africa’s place in Group B. With two victories and one defeat, Bafana Bafana now faces Cameroon, who is five-time champion.

South Africa placed third at AFCON 2023, one of the seven AFCON participants who has already secured a spot there for the 2026 event. They have not yet fully recovered from this feat. They will be hoping to find their groove when they face Cameroon, which finished Group F with two victories and an unbeaten group stage campaign.

The sides’ 10th previous meetings on Sunday will be marked by South Africa winning three games and Cameroon winning just once. Five of their previous encounters ended in draws.

Egypt vs. Benin

When: January 5, 5pm/16: 00 GMT)
Where: Adrar Stadium in Agadir

Egypt came out on top of Group B with seven points after a failed campaign in the group stage. The Pharaohs drew 0-0 in their final group game against Angola despite a second-string lineup and returning key players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to maintain their momentum.

After years of near misses, the team and fans are now convinced that Egypt could finally turn promise into silver as the record-seven-time champions chase a first AFCON title since 2010.

By contrast, Benin made it to the last 16 with a single victory in Group D over Botswana, which also represented their first victory in the AFCON finals. Despite reaching the quarterfinals in 2019, it took them 16 attempts to achieve that breakthrough following their debut in 2004.

Benin will attempt to double that number in face-to-power Egypt and spring another AFCON shock.

Mozambique vs. Nigeria

When: January 5, 8pm local/19: 00 GMT
Where: Fez Stadium in Fez

With a flawless group-stage record, Nigeria were the first to claim their spot in the round of 16 and asserted their dominance early on.

The Super Eagles have quickly put their disappointment at missing the World Cup behind them, flying to Morocco on the back of a talented squad made up of well-known players like Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen.

The Group C winners now face Mozambique, who finished third with three points and will represent their country for the first time in the AFCON knockout stage. By defeating Gabon 3-2, the Mambas put an end to a 40-year search for a title in the continental finals.

With four defeats and five draws in their previous meetings against the former champions, Mozambique is facing its most difficult test yet on Monday.

DR Congo vs. Algeria

When: January 6, 5pm/16: 00 GMT
Where: Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat

Algeria was the only other team to successfully complete the group stage campaign, dominating Group E with class thanks to Riyad Mahrez and Ibrahim Maza’s flawless finishing. The North Africans have depth in their squad and demonstrated their standing as title contenders, but their first knockout assignment presents a challenging challenge to DR Congo.

With two victories and a draw, DR Congo produced disciplined displays on both ends of the pitch to finish second overall in Group D. The most intriguing tie in this round-of-16 matchup pits two top-notch teams who have yet to experience defeat in Morocco.

Algeria, who have won two games and drawn four against DR Congo, are unbeaten in six previous encounters. Their first meeting in seven years will take place on Tuesday.

Burkinabe versus Ivory Coast

When: January 6, 8pm local/19: 00 GMT
Where: Marrakesh Stadium in Marrakesh

After winning their final group game, titleholder Ivory Coast came out on top with seven points, finishing ahead of Cameroon in goals scored. In the group stage, Amad Diallo, one of the team’s standout performers, netted two of the team’s five goals.

The Ivorians wrap up their Group E victory streak with two victories and one defeat against Burkinabe, who finished second.