Palestinian granted UK asylum in U-turn by Home Office
A PALESTINIAN citizen of Israel is to be granted asylum following a Home Office U-turn, on the basis he has a “wellfounded fear” of persecution if returned to Israel.
The decision came less than 24 hours before a tribunal hearing at which the Home Office was to defend its original decision to refuse the claim.
In documents filed with the immigration tribunal, Hasan* claimed that Israel maintains an “apartheid” system of racial domination of its Jewish citizens over its Palestinian citizens, whom it systematically oppresses.
He had also provided evidence to the tribunal that he was at enhanced risk of persecution because of his Palestinian solidarity activism in the UK and his anti-Zionist political opinions.
Hasan said: “This is a victory not just for me but for all Palestinians living under the apartheid Israeli regime.
“Without even having to step into court, the UK Government has now accepted that the Palestinian struggle for freedom should not just be limited to Gaza and the West Bank but to all parts of historic Palestine under Israeli rule.
“I wish to extend a huge thank you to all those who have supported my case. Without your help, I could not have reached this point.”
Hasan’s case is based in part on multiple reports by experts and NGOs published in recent years, all of which conclude that Israel imposes a system of oppression and domination against Palestinians across all areas under its control which amounts to the international crime of apartheid.
The case also relies on the International Court of Justice’s recent interim judgment in the case of South Africa v Israel, in which Israel was ordered to prevent genocide in Gaza.
Franck Magennis, Hasan’s barrister, said: “We hope that this decision marks a turning point in Home Office thinking, and call on governments and courts worldwide to recognise the violent anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic racism at the heart of the Israeli government.”
* Name changed