Palestinian granted asylum in UK after warning of ‘apartheid’ state in Israel

A Palestinian citizen of Israel is to be granted asylum by the Home Office on the basis that he has a “well-founded” fear of persecution if returned to Israel, because of his campaigning activities in the UK.

The 24-year-old, known only as “Hasan”, claimed he faced an increased risk of persecution because of his Palestinian solidarity activism in the UK and his anti-Zionist political opinions.

He alleged Israel maintained an “apartheid” system where Palestinian citizens were oppressed.

About a fifth of Israel’s population – about two million people – is Palestinian, although that figure also includes the Arab population of East Jerusalem who have a lesser status, that of permanent residents.

In a statement, 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.”