A PALESTINIAN citizen of Israel is to be granted asylum following a Home Office U-turn, on the basis he has a “well-founded 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.
READ MORE: Fundraiser for medical aid in Palestine smashes £50,000 milestone
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.
In a statement issued by Riverway Law, which is representing Hasan, 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.
Taher Gulamhussein, Hasan’s solicitor, said: "While the world is rightfully focused on the Israeli genocide in Gaza, it is critical to understand that by virtue of its being an apartheid state, Israel's oppression extends to any Palestinians under its control and authority, whether that be in Gaza, the West Bank or even within what is considered to be Israel's own borders.
“We therefore welcome the Home Office's decision to grant asylum to our client in recognition of that fundamental fact."
Franck Magennis, Hasan’s barrister, added: “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
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel