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Posted: 2024-03-18 09:15:21

Twenty-three-year-old Hani had almost given up hope when his temporary visa to Australia was reinstated after he spent four days in limbo at an airport in Istanbul. 

Last week, Hani and several other Palestinians who had been able to flee Gaza heading for Australia had their visas suddenly cancelled, leaving them stranded in other countries.

The ABC knows of at least 11 Palestinians who had their visas cancelled and then reinstated.

Hani's family in Australia said they were concerned for his well-being, as it was his first time travelling and they were not given any answers as to why his visa had been cancelled. 

He had been living in the airport when he was finally updated. 

"I was on the correct path. I didn't do anything wrong," Hani said.

"I was worried. I couldn't sleep. I was having nightmares.

"Right when I began to lose hope, the good news came."

Hani said he was excited about arriving in Australia and being reunited with his family and he now felt like he was "in a dream". 

The Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) Foundation has been supporting Hani and other Palestinians with their cancelled visas over the last few days. 

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