A PETITION calling for the creation of a UK family visa scheme for Palestinians has achieved its needed 100,000 signatures to ensure a UK Parliamentary debate.
It calls for a visa scheme similar to the Ukraine Family Scheme to be created for Palestinians affected by the crisis in Gaza.
In a post on Twitter/X, the Gaza Families Reunited campaign said: "With your support and solidarity we made it!
"This petition now has 100k signatures, meaning it will be debated in Parliament! Thank you to everyone who signed, shared in their networks, posted on social media, reported on it and reached out with offers of support.
"The petition remains open for another four days. Please continue sharing to show the UK Government the extent of public support there is for a Gaza Family Scheme that would reunite Palestinian families and offer sanctuary until return is safe."
READ MORE: UK visa rules 'abetting plausible risk of Gaza genocide', expert says
You can find the petition here.
Alison Phipps, a University of Glasgow professor and the UNESCO chair in refugee integration through languages and the arts, reacted to the news: "A small step towards a bit of hope.
"This will now be considered for a Parliamentary debate. Well done to @GazaFamReunited."
We previously told of the difficulties for Gazans to obtain a UK visa given there’s no functioning visa centre, with more than 33,000 Palestinians killed by Israel since the October 7 attack.
Humza Yousaf has already backed the campaign saying Scotland “is open and stands ready to welcome” those wishing to leave Gaza.
A spokesperson for the UK Government said: “We are working around the clock to get British nationals, who want to leave, out of Gaza.
“We have a team on the ground in Cairo and at the Rafah crossing providing consular assistance. We currently have no plans to establish a separate route for Palestinians to come to the UK.
“However, any dependants of British citizens who need a visa, can apply for one.”
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