Two British fathers have initiated legal proceedings against the UK government, alleging that its failure to evacuate their immediate families from Gaza constitutes a breach of human rights and amounts to unlawful conduct.
The men, who are being represented by the law firm Leigh Day, state that official promises of family reunification, made months ago, have not been honored. They are part of a broader group of separated families reportedly affected by similar governmental inaction.
One father, a 39-year-old from Gaza City who has humanitarian protection status in the UK, described a devastating cycle of raised and dashed hopes. He reported being informed by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in August that his family would be reunited with him, following a positive family reunion decision in July. This reunion never materialized.
“I never wanted it to come to this, to involve the courts,” he said, requesting anonymity. “I just want someone to get my children out of the life they’re trapped in.” He compared the experience to being granted release from prison, only to be ordered back inside.
His wife, three children, and an adopted nephew are currently sheltering in a tent in al-Zawida. He detailed dire conditions, stating his children have faced gunfire while attempting to access aid and have had supplies stolen. His wife must walk for an hour to find a signal to call him.
A central obstacle is the requirement for biometric checks. With no functional visa application centre in Gaza, lawyers assert the UK government has declined to secure assurances from Jordanian authorities to allow the family to cross the border to complete this process.
In a pre-action response seen by the legal team, the FCDO reportedly stated it could not assist the family at present and maintained that treating them differently from groups like medical evacuees or students was not unlawful.
A second father, who also requested anonymity, has filed separate proceedings to reunite with his six children. His family’s home was destroyed, forcing them into tented shelter, and they are now fully dependent on charitable aid for food. He described serious health crises among his children, including a daughter with blood clots and a son suffering respiratory issues from alleged exposure to phosphorus gas.
“My children were supposed to be here in May,” he said, adding that the strain has left him emotionally exhausted. The government had previously agreed to assist after an earlier legal warning but, according to the family, has since reneged.
Sarah Crowe, a solicitor at Leigh Day, argued the government has effectively abandoned its commitments. “Our clients argue that this differential treatment is not only unjustifiable and unfair – it is unlawful,” she stated, noting that other groups have been successfully evacuated under comparable circumstances.
The government declined to comment specifically, citing ongoing legal proceedings. A spokesperson said: “It would be inappropriate to comment while legal proceedings are ongoing.”
This case highlights ongoing criticisms of Home Office bureaucracy, which campaigners say severely hinders family reunification from conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan. There have been repeated calls for the establishment of a dedicated evacuation scheme, similar to those implemented during other international crises.