Naomi Klein, Sally Rooney among global writers backing UK Palestine Action hunger strikers

Dozens of scholars and authors have declared their support for pro-Palestinian hunger strikers who have launched what organisers say is the longest coordinated hunger strike in Britain since Bobby Sands' protest in 1981.

Writers including Naomi Klein, Angela Davis and Sally Rooney have publicly expressed solidarity with Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed, Lewie Chiaramello and Umer Khalid, who are refusing food until their demands are met.

"We oppose genocide, we support the Palestine Action prisoners," the statement, published by Protest not Terrorism, reads, echoing the placard Greta Thunberg was carrying while she was arrested on 23 December, protesting for the strikers.

A spokesperson for Protest not Terrorism said the open letter expresses support for the prisoners' campaign to uphold their fundamental rights, including access to fair trials, timely and appropriate medical care, uncensored communication with legal representatives, and an end to punitive prison conditions imposed following the widely criticised proscription of Palestine Action.

Among the signatories is writer Sally Rooney, who has previously voiced support for Palestine Action and criticised its designation as a terrorist organisation.

"The signatories also affirm their solidarity with Greta Thunberg after her shocking arrest on terrorism charges for expressing solidarity with the prisoners," Protest not Terrorism said.

Thunberg was arrested outside the offices of Aspen Insurance after holding a placard reading: "I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide". The activist was detained under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying a placard in support of a proscribed organisation.

The statement comes as campaigners warn that three of the hunger strikers are facing an imminent risk of death as the protest enters what they describe as a medical danger zone, with the possibility of irreversible health damage.

Hunger striker Heba Muraisi, the longest-serving protester, is in critical condition as she surpasses Bobby Sands' strike, reaching 73 days.

At the same time, Kamran Ahmed has reached 66 days, being hospitalised six times, while Lewie Chiaramello, who has diabetes, has been fasting every other day for 45 days. Activist Umar Khalid, who had paused his strike, restarted it on Saturday, entering his 16th day.

All four were imprisoned in connection with Palestine Action protests across London that targeted sites managed by Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems, causing damage to property.