UK Lawmakers Urge Government to “Urgently” Produce Ukraine-Style Visa Scheme for Gazans

UK Lawmakers Urge Government to “Urgently” Produce Ukraine-Style Visa Scheme for Gazans
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A cross-party group of 67 British MPs and Lords has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to urgently establish a visa program allowing Palestinians in Gaza with family in the UK to seek refuge, Anadolu Agency reported. The proposed “Gaza family scheme” would be modeled on the Ukraine Family Scheme introduced in 2022 after the Russia-Ukraine war.

In a joint letter, the lawmakers expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing Israel’s blockade, bombings, and targeting of humanitarian aid that have caused mass death and displacement. Since October 7, 2023, over 56,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza, with the actual toll believed to be much higher.

The letter highlights the severe challenges Palestinians face in accessing safe routes to the UK, including the destruction of the Visa Application Center in Gaza and the blockade of the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Many UK-based Palestinians struggle to reunite with family members due to bureaucratic obstacles and logistical barriers.

The MPs and Lords emphasized the UK’s past generosity in welcoming those fleeing conflict in Ukraine and Hong Kong and urged similar support for Palestinian families. They framed the visa scheme as a vital humanitarian and moral step, reflecting the UK’s responsibility toward Palestinians and calling for international accountability for Israel’s actions.

The ongoing conflict has drawn international condemnation, with war crimes charges pending against Israeli leaders at the International Criminal Court.