News|Israel-Palestine conflictThree Palestine Action activists end UK hunger strikePrisoners for Palestine says move comes after subsidiary of Israeli arms manufacturer failed to win UK gov’t contract.
Three British activists have ended their hunger strike following reports that a United Kingdom-based subsidiary of an Israeli weapons company did not secure a UK government contract. The activists were part of the Prisoners for Palestine group.
Three British activists have ended their hunger strike following reports that a United Kingdom-based subsidiary of an Israeli weapons company did not secure a UK government contract. The activists were part of the Prisoners for Palestine group.
Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of the Israeli arms manufacturer, was unsuccessful in winning a $2.69 billion contract to train British soldiers. The UK Ministry of Defence instead awarded the contract to a consortium led by Raytheon UK.
The hunger strike was initiated as a protest against the detention of group members and the British government's support for Israel. This protest was linked to Elbit Systems' role in supplying weapons to the Israeli military, which have been used in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Three British activists have ended their hunger strike following reports that a United Kingdom-based subsidiary of an Israeli weapons company did not secure a UK government contract.
The British government proscribed Palestine Action in June of last year under the Terrorism Act 2000. This made it illegal to join or express support for the group, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
The hunger strike was undertaken by several activists as a form of protest. On Wednesday, a total of seven activists ended their hunger strike. Their actions highlighted concerns about the role of Elbit Systems in the region.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
