Who Is Qesser Zuhrah, What Happened to Her? All About British Activist!

Qesser Zuhrah, a British activist, is currently imprisoned in the United Kingdom and has emerged as a prominent figure in a Palestine solidarity hunger strike that has drawn international attention.

Qesser was arrested on 19 November 2024 during a dawn police operation as part of a group referred to as the “Filton 24.” She was initially held under counter‑terrorism powers and later detained on remand on non‑terrorism charges, related to her alleged involvement in a Palestine Action direct action raid at the research and development centre of the Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems in Filton, Bristol.

At the time of her arrest, Qesser was 19 years old; she has since turned 20 while in custody. Her younger brother, also linked to the Filton arrests, was detained in a subsequent wave of operations.

On 2 November 2025, Qesser began a hunger strike alongside fellow activists at HMP Bronzefield prison, protesting prolonged detention without trial, alleged mistreatment in custody, and restrictions on basic rights and visits.

Recent reports indicate that her health has severely deteriorated after more than 45 days without food, with symptoms including weakness, shaking, collapsing, and loss of consciousness. MPs, lawyers, and human rights groups have expressed serious concern, warning that she could die without urgent medical intervention.

Supporters have accused prison authorities of mistreatment, including restrictions on access to books, letters, visits, and the confiscation of personal items such as her kuffiyah‑pattern hijabs. Allegations have also emerged regarding the forced removal of religious wear and other abusive conduct, according to advocacy groups supporting the prisoners.

The case has intensified calls for urgent attention to the conditions of detainees involved in Palestine solidarity activism and has sparked global discussions on prisoner rights, hunger strikes, and custodial treatment in the UK.