Asylum Seeker with History of Anti-Semitic Rhetoric Seeks to Remain in UK

A Palestinian migrant, identified as Abu Wadee, 34, who arrived in the UK illegally via a small boat in March 2025, is reportedly seeking to remain in the country. Wadee, who previously served nine months in prison for illegal entry, has also been documented making anti-Semitic statements online and was a member of a Hamas-affiliated group.

Wadee, also known as Mosab Abdulkarim Al-Gassas, was released from prison in December and placed in taxpayer-funded accommodation in Corby, Northamptonshire. Prior to his arrest, he had posted videos online calling for Allah to "kill (Jews) one by one... don't leave a single one." He was also described as a former member of the "tyre-burning unit," a group affiliated with Hamas that engaged in attacks against Israeli forces.

Speaking to a reporter from his current residence, Wadee claimed to have Jewish friends and stated that his past support for Hamas was under duress and occurred eight years prior. He asserted, "I love England, I love Corby." He also suggested that Hamas would harm him if he did not speak against Jewish people while living in Gaza. Wadee admitted to being pictured with Kalashnikov assault rifles in Gaza and acknowledged that his only issue was entering the UK illegally.

Wadee has reportedly voiced concerns about his human rights being infringed while in the UK, stating that he has not committed any crimes in Britain and feels he is being punished. He has also claimed difficulty in finding legal representation or support from Palestinian or Arab embassies.

His presence in the UK has drawn criticism from political figures. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the situation a "joke" and advocated for Wadee's removal. Lee Barron, the Labour MP for Corby, stated he was contacting the Home Secretary to seek Wadee's "immediate deportation."

A spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism, which reportedly alerted the Home Office to Wadee's alleged Hamas connections, questioned the effectiveness of the UK's laws. The organization noted concerns about the ease with which Gazans may settle in the UK without assurances regarding their views or backgrounds.

A government spokeswoman confirmed that foreign nationals receiving prison sentences in the UK are referred for deportation and barred from re-entry. The statement highlighted that over 11,000 foreign criminals, including murderers and rapists, have been deported in the two years since the last election, representing a 41 percent increase compared to the preceding two years.