An interview with the Imperial student hunger striking for Palestine
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
On Tuesday 10th June, Imperial Action for Palestine, and Imperial Friends of Palestine, two of the groups protesting the actions of Israel in Gaza, posted an announcement that a student had begun a hunger strike following a meeting with Imperial’s management. A later video showed the student, who Felix has chosen not to name, explaining their decision to start the hunger strike. Felix has spoken to the protestor to discuss how the protest is progressing, how the protestor his doing, and how the Imperial community has reacted to their protest.
Firstly, how are you feeling, with regards to the hunger strike?
“At the moment I am in reasonable spirits. It’s not an easy thing to do. I’ve been on hunger strike for two days now, but the people of Gaza haven’t had access to food and aid now for three months.
Why a hunger strike as a form of protest? Is there a symbolic meaning?
“I would say the primary symbolism is that the people of Gaza have been under a complete blockade and siege for three months. From what I’ve heard, it’s more deadly to attempt to access now than before the ceasefire. It’s also because of complete silence from the university, which is not good enough.”
In an email sent to College members in November 2023, President Hugh Brady said the university would not itself deliver “ongoing commentary” in a message addressing the war in Gaza. In an investment forum held between senior College figures and students in January 2025, Provost Ian Walmsley reiterated that the university did not see any “equivalence” in Imperial’s investments and research placements with arms companies and any allegations of complicity with alleged war crimes committed by the Israel Defense Forces.
What have the reactions been towards your protest?
“I’ve received a lot of messages from students, nothing but support. Other student groups have also reached out, showing solidarity.
“I’m yet to hear from university management.” At the time of publication, Felix has not received any information to the contrary.
Some might call your protest reckless [to your health]. How would you respond to that?
“I’m being supported by the right people. I’ve done the research, and I know what I’m up against. I want to state that this is a choice, actually. I can go home safely, I can end this strike and access the right nutrition, medical advice and I have a safety net. The reason I’m doing it is because Gazans don’t have the ability to access that, they’re being starved.”
In general, another common criticism some have levelled against the pro-Palestinian movement is that it might be because you may be a Muslim, or an Arab, or a Palestinian, particularly because you’ve highlighted anti-Arab racism and Islamophobia as one of your demands. How would you respond to that?
“I’m neither Muslim, nor Palestinian. A lot of people in the movement are not Muslim or Palestinian or Arab. I’m doing this because it’s my choice as a human.”
