Petition: Guarantee a safe route for Palestinian refugees
Communities for Palestinians writes:
The government is deciding on who can come to the UK — your signature could tip the balance.
The UK Government is developing new safe and legal routes for people affected by conflict and persecution. They are now considering which nationalities will be eligible — and Palestinians from Gaza are at risk of being left out.
The original scheme effectively excluded people from Gaza, as it required applicants to leave Palestine first and then be registered with UNHCR — a process that Palestinians in Gaza were unable to access. Leading figures and MPs called for this to be addressed, and the Government is now considering including Palestinians.
People in Gaza are living through unimaginable conditions. Families have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. They are teachers, farmers, doctors, engineers, students, parents and children who want nothing more than life and hope of a future.
At the same time communities across the UK are getting ready to welcome and support Palestinian families. They are finding homes, schools, jobs, teams to help. Neighbourhood groups are meeting all the requirements to sponsor a family.
A safe route should be based on humanitarian need and the willingness and capacity of communities to welcome and support people — not on a distinction that leaves Palestinians from Gaza without access.
We are asking the UK Government to ensure that Palestinians from Gaza are included in the first phase of the new safe route and have access to the same pathway as other people affected by conflict and persecution.
This is not about putting the needs of one nationality over others.
It is about ensuring that Palestinians are not forgotten or unintentionally excluded.
It is about respecting the communities who are taking responsibility. Named sponsorship means communities can name the family they are ready to welcome. So please let them.
The Government is considering this decision now.
There is still a brief window to get it right.
Please sign this petition and share it quickly.