A Palestinian father residing in the UK has accused the British government of endangering his family in Gaza by failing to fulfill its promise to evacuate them. Despite assurances made over two months ago, his wife, three children, and adopted nephew remain stranded in the Zawida area of Gaza, displaced by relentless Israeli bombardment. The family now lives in a fragile tent with scarce access to food, clean water, or medical care. The father, who wishes to remain anonymous to protect his family, expressed his anguish, stating, ‘My family are in constant danger, and I worry about them every minute of every day.’ He lamented the UK government’s broken promise, which has left his children terrified and unable to sleep due to hunger and the constant threat of airstrikes. In August 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) agreed to provide consular assistance for the family’s evacuation. However, despite obtaining Israeli clearances, neither the FCDO nor the Home Office has taken concrete steps to secure their exit. The Home Office has granted family reunion visas in principle, but biometric checks—required to activate these visas—are impossible to complete in Gaza, where no visa application center operates. The nearest viable location for biometrics is Jordan, but UK officials have refused to provide the necessary assurances for the family to cross the border. Frustrated by the government’s inaction, the father is now pursuing legal action against Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, accusing them of abandoning his family. Lawyers from human rights firm Leigh Day argue that the UK’s refusal to facilitate the family’s evacuation is unlawful, especially given its previous success in evacuating other groups under similar circumstances. Sarah Crowe, a solicitor with Leigh Day, emphasized the family’s dire situation, stating, ‘They are living on the streets in Gaza without food, shelter, or medical care and remain at risk of serious harm or death.’ The legal action coincides with warnings from local authorities in Gaza about catastrophic flood risks for the displaced population. Since the war on Gaza began in October 2023, Israeli forces have killed over 70,000 Palestinians, with thousands more missing and feared dead. Middle East Eye continues to provide independent coverage of the region, shedding light on such critical issues.
UK government faces legal challenge over broken promise to rescue family from Gaza
