Proposed UK Parliament Program to Enable Palestinian Family Reunification in Gaza

British Labour Party MP Rachel Maskell has proposed a plan to the UK Parliament, urging the creation of a visa program that would allow Palestinians to temporarily reunite with their families trapped in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The proposal, which has garnered the signatures of 24 MPs, highlights that more than 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza thus far, with over 100,000 injured.

The proposal underscores the severe damage to Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, noting that access to basic healthcare services has become nearly impossible.

Maskell has requested the launch of a “Gaza Family Visa Program,” modeled after the “Ukraine Family Program,” which would enable Palestinians residing in the United Kingdom—many of whom have family in Gaza—to temporarily reunite with their loved ones.

The proposal calls for a safe haven for Palestinians, allowing them to stay in the UK until the situation in their homeland stabilizes.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation has continued its intensive airstrikes and bombardments against civilians in Gaza for the 405th consecutive day, escalating the relentless campaign of devastation. Bombing, blockades, and forced displacement continue to ravage areas like Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, now into their 40th day of sustained aggression.

Israeli warplanes recently targeted a tent sheltering displaced individuals in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least two Palestinians and injuries to six others. In the southern areas of Gaza City, repeated airstrikes persist, along with artillery fire and naval bombardments directed at the western regions.

On Wednesday, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported a tragic increase in the death toll from Israeli attacks, stating that 43,712 Palestinians have been killed since October of last year.

According to the ministry’s daily report, “The toll of the Israeli assault has risen to 43,712 martyrs, with 103,258 wounded since October 7, 2023.”