Hunger strike for 70 days: The Body's Desperate Cry for Survival
As the body begins to deteriorate, the lines between life and death become increasingly blurred. For three British activists on hunger strike in protest of their alleged involvement in break-ins at Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems facilities, time is running out. The group, part of the proscribed Palestine Action organization, claims innocence but refuses food, pushing beyond estimates that suggest a healthy adult can survive without sustenance for only 45 to 61 days.
At first, the body adapts by breaking down muscle tissue to generate energy. As the fast continues, metabolism slows, and vital organs like the heart and lungs become less efficient. The immune system weakens, making it harder for the body to heal from injuries. Once reserves are depleted, the body's priorities shift towards survival over all other functions.
The activists' determination is admirable, yet their actions put them in extreme danger. Friends and family warn that they are close to death but refuse to call off their strike until their demands are met. These include bail, a fair trial, an end to the UK government's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, closure of Elbit sites in the UK, an end to censorship within prison facilities, and more than a year of pre-trial detention.
As the body reaches its breaking point, the risks associated with prolonged hunger increase exponentially. Scientific research on starvation is limited due to ethical concerns, but estimates suggest that without food, death may be imminent. The three activists have now surpassed this threshold, leaving their lives hanging in the balance.
The international community has taken notice of their plight, with Amnesty International UK describing the situation as "alarming" and a "gross misuse of counterterrorism powers." United Nations experts emphasize the state's duty of care towards hunger strikers, highlighting the need for timely access to emergency care, protection from pressure or retaliation, and respect for medical ethics.
The activists' actions are not an isolated incident. Hunger strikes have been used throughout history as a form of protest, relying on moral pressure to compel those in power to act. The practice has been employed by hundreds of Palestinian prisoners incarcerated without charges by Israel to draw attention to their cases.
As the world watches, it is crucial that these activists receive the support and justice they deserve. Will their determination be enough to bring about change, or will they succumb to the devastating effects of prolonged hunger?
As the body begins to deteriorate, the lines between life and death become increasingly blurred. For three British activists on hunger strike in protest of their alleged involvement in break-ins at Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems facilities, time is running out. The group, part of the proscribed Palestine Action organization, claims innocence but refuses food, pushing beyond estimates that suggest a healthy adult can survive without sustenance for only 45 to 61 days.
At first, the body adapts by breaking down muscle tissue to generate energy. As the fast continues, metabolism slows, and vital organs like the heart and lungs become less efficient. The immune system weakens, making it harder for the body to heal from injuries. Once reserves are depleted, the body's priorities shift towards survival over all other functions.
The activists' determination is admirable, yet their actions put them in extreme danger. Friends and family warn that they are close to death but refuse to call off their strike until their demands are met. These include bail, a fair trial, an end to the UK government's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, closure of Elbit sites in the UK, an end to censorship within prison facilities, and more than a year of pre-trial detention.
As the body reaches its breaking point, the risks associated with prolonged hunger increase exponentially. Scientific research on starvation is limited due to ethical concerns, but estimates suggest that without food, death may be imminent. The three activists have now surpassed this threshold, leaving their lives hanging in the balance.
The international community has taken notice of their plight, with Amnesty International UK describing the situation as "alarming" and a "gross misuse of counterterrorism powers." United Nations experts emphasize the state's duty of care towards hunger strikers, highlighting the need for timely access to emergency care, protection from pressure or retaliation, and respect for medical ethics.
The activists' actions are not an isolated incident. Hunger strikes have been used throughout history as a form of protest, relying on moral pressure to compel those in power to act. The practice has been employed by hundreds of Palestinian prisoners incarcerated without charges by Israel to draw attention to their cases.
As the world watches, it is crucial that these activists receive the support and justice they deserve. Will their determination be enough to bring about change, or will they succumb to the devastating effects of prolonged hunger?
i mean i get what they're saying and all but 70 days without food is literally a death sentence 
and i'm worried for these guys' lives. their demands are valid too, it's not right that Palestine Action is labeled as a terrorist org in the first place. 
i think it's time for the UK gov to rethink its stance on this whole thing. we need to be supporting ppl who speak out against injustice rather than punishing them. 
also, can't they just get some medical attention? like, come on! 
these activists are putting their lives at risk and i don't think it's too much to ask for someone to talk to a doc about stopping this hunger strike ASAP. 
. I mean, can't we just have a decent system of justice here? Can't we expect our governments to treat us with dignity and respect? 
. These activists are human beings, not statistics or news headlines. They deserve better than to be treated like disposable pawns in a game of politics 
. I don't know what the future holds or how long they can keep this up. But I do know one thing - we need to be watching out for them and fighting for their rights 
. It's not just about them, it's about all of us who care about justice and human rights 
.
The length of time an individual can survive without food is a complex issue, with estimates varying greatly depending on factors like physical condition, age, and overall health. 45-61 days seem like a long time for a healthy adult, but what's even more concerning is the psychological toll of prolonged fasting on the mind 
. Ultimately, I think it's crucial that these activists receive the support and justice they deserve, and that we as an international community acknowledge the human rights implications of their actions 
.
but at the same time, 70 days without food is just plain scary 
we gotta make sure they get the help and justice they need ASAP 
. Can't imagine how hard it's gonna be for their bodies when they finally give in... 
.
... sounds like they wanna spark a revolution or somethin! anu otherwyz ppl r just gonna sit back & watch them die? thts not right imo
. I mean, I've seen people get hangry in like 2 hours 
but these guys are putting their lives at risk. It's admirable that they're sticking to their cause, but have you thought about the poor bodies just trying to survive over here? 
... meanwhile, these poor guys are literally dying on our watch 
. 70 days without food is like, totally not humanly possible... I've read that after like 45-61 days, your body starts breaking down and you're basically at death's door 
, and that there are consequences for the state if they don't do anything to help them soon 
... it's so important that they get the support and justice they deserve 
... but at what cost? Is their life worth risking for a cause they believe in?