Home Office grants asylum to Palestinian activist from Israel

  • Lawyers say the ‘unprecedented’ case might pave the way in which for related claims

The Home Office has granted asylum to a Palestinian activist from Israel who attended Gaza protests within the UK after he claimed he could be persecuted again residence.

The 24-year-old man, who is known to have lived greater than 20 years of his life within the UK, additionally claimed he would face oppression on the grounds of his race, Muslim religion and his perception that the Jewish state was an ‘apartheid regime’.

Known solely as ‘Hasan’ for his personal safety, his attorneys have described the asylum case as ‘unprecedented’ and say it might pave the way in which for extra claims of this nature.

His case was as a consequence of be heard at a first-tier tribunal listening to on Tuesday, nevertheless the Home Office unexpectedly gave up on Monday and granted Hasan asylum.

It is Hasan’s perception, his attorneys informed The Guardian that Israel’s authorities was ‘an apartheid regime that engages in systematic and pervasive discrimination, persecution and violence bearing on all points of Palestinian life.’ 

Hasan claims his help for Gaza protests within the UK will increase the possibility he could be persecuted again residence

Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and carry placards throughout a National March for Palestine in central London on December 9, 2023

Around one-fifth of Israel’s 9 million residents, two million individuals, are Israeli residents labeled as Arab – together with these figuring out as Palestinian. 

They have the best to vote and take part in political life, and in contrast to Palestinians dwelling in Gaza should not stateless. 

Israel has lengthy rejected arguments that it pursues an ‘apartheid’ coverage in the direction of Palestinians. 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says below its 1951 Refugee Convention a refugee shouldn’t be returned to a rustic the place they ‘face critical threats to their life or freedom’.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) additionally protects the rights of individuals inside the 46 member states who’ve signed as much as it. 

Franck Magennis, the barrister who represented Hasan, informed Al Jazeera: ‘It’s fully unprecedented.

‘In precept, any Palestinian discovering themselves in any a type of 46 states can say, ‘If you come me to any territory below Israel’s jurisdiction, there’s an actual threat that my human rights can be breached’.’

The lawyer, who goes by the title ‘Free Palestine’ on Twitter and describes himself as a ‘communist’, works carefully on circumstances involving Palestinian refugees.

He stated: ‘What’s so stunning about this case is that Israel is generally thought of a staunch ally of the UK authorities, and that the UK considers it the one democracy within the Middle East and on no account an apartheid regime. 

‘But what this displays is a staggering contradiction within the coronary heart of British international coverage.’

Hasan first sought asylum in 2019 however his case was delayed as a result of coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

In 2022 it denied he confronted persecution in Israel and rejected his declare.

Hasan’s attorneys then appealed with new proof submitted after October 7 arguing that the safety state of affairs for Palestinian residents of Israel had worsened. 

In an announcement, Hasan stated: ‘This is a victory not only for me however for all Palestinians dwelling below the apartheid Israeli regime.

‘Without even having to step into courtroom, the UK Government has now accepted that the Palestinian battle for freedom mustn’t simply be restricted to Gaza and the West Bank however to all components of historic Palestine below Israeli rule.’

Hasan informed Al Jazeera he felt ‘relieved’ after his win and that he struggled with despair and restrictions below UK regulation that prohibits asylum seekers from working.

He stated he had been in limbo for therefore a few years whereas his declare was being processed and claimed Israeli troopers had beforehand fired stun grenades into his neighbourhood.

A Home Office spokeswoman informed MailOnline: ‘All asylum claims are fastidiously thought of on their particular person deserves in accordance with the Immigration Rules and should not uniquely based mostly on the broad perceptions of security of their nation of origin. 

‘In the previous 12 months, the UK has granted asylum to people from numerous nations together with nationals from a few of our closest European neighbours and different secure nations around the globe.

‘Where extra info is supplied or turns into obtainable, the end result of a call can change.’

‘It is longstanding authorities coverage that we don’t routinely touch upon particular person circumstances.’