Works to bring a student back to the UK who is trapped in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has made progress, with the student receiving his documentation from the University of Sheffield.
Said Zaaneen, 41, is a Ph.D. student at the University of Sheffield’s Urban Studies and Planning department, who has lost over 40 members of his family to the conflict
He was forced to flee from the South of Gaza and make his way to the North of Gaza.
Student protestors have been lobbying his case for some two weeks after reports of Mr Zaaneen’s situation emerged, and accused the University of Sheffield of neglecting their duty of care.
Taking to Instagram, the group ‘Save Said Now’ issued an update on Mr Zaaneen’s situation, who has now recieved his scholarship letters and certificate of advanced study.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Progress of Said’s visa is underway – he’s received his CAS and scholarship letters.
“Now, we’re actively securing a legal representative for his visa application.”
With progress being made towards his return home, the group have underscored the urgency needed in bringing him home.
The spokesperson said: “Said’s situation remains critical. He’s currently in the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone, a vast empty area described by the World Health Organisation as a recipe for disaster.
“With no infrastructure, Said and his family are enduring the winter in a makeshift nylon tent.”
If granted a visa, Mr Zaaneen and his family would still need to be placed on the Rafah Border crossing list by the British Embassy.
The group have urged protestors to lobby Mr Zaaneen’s case into the Foreign Office, as well as continuing to spread the word and rally in his name.
The University of Sheffield have been approached for comment.