Wed Jan 14 21:31:16 UTC 2026: ### Hunger Strike Ends as UK Denies Contract to Israeli Arms Firm Subsidiary

The Story:
Three British activists, part of the “Prisoners for Palestine” group, have ended their weeks-long hunger strike after a UK-based subsidiary of Elbit Systems, a major Israeli weapons company, reportedly failed to secure a $2.69 billion contract with the UK government. The activists, detained for alleged involvement in break-ins at Elbit Systems UK in 2024, were protesting their imprisonment and the British government’s support for Israel.

The group hailed the contract denial as a “resounding victory,” stating that their hunger strike brought attention to Elbit Systems’ role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They had been protesting what they consider a “genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza,” and the British government’s support of Israel.

Key Points:

  • Three activists affiliated with Palestine Action ended their hunger strike.
  • The activists were protesting their detention and UK government support for Israel.
  • Elbit Systems UK reportedly lost a $2.69 billion UK government contract.
  • Prisoners for Palestine considered this a victory for their hunger strike.
  • Palestine Action was proscribed in the UK in June of last year under the Terrorism Act 2000.
  • More than 71,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023 in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

Key Takeaways:

  • The hunger strike highlights the growing pressure on the UK government regarding its relationship with Israeli arms manufacturers.
  • The denial of the contract to Elbit Systems UK, whether directly influenced by the protests or not, represents a symbolic win for pro-Palestinian activists.
  • The proscription of Palestine Action underscores the UK government’s stance on certain forms of protest related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising concerns about freedom of speech.
  • The event underscores the ongoing global scrutiny of arms sales and their impact on conflicts, particularly in the Israeli-Palestinian context.
  • The activists’ actions, while controversial, succeeded in garnering attention and potentially influencing government decisions regarding arms contracts.

    Read More

Related News: