From Foreign Policy · Theia Chatelle · · 2m
Ethiopian Asylum Seekers Face Return to War Zone
Israel may deport Ethiopian asylum seekers as Tigray war resurges.
In brief
Israel may deport Ethiopian asylum seekers as Tigray war resurges. Israel could send Ethiopian asylum seekers back to Ethiopia amid renewed conflict after revoking their asylum protections. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Luwam Habteab's Story
Luwam Habteab fled Ethiopia in 2023 after being detained for reporting on the Axum massacre.
“For 75 days starting in 2020, Luwam Habteab slept on the floor of a prison cell, given little food and no medical care”
Asylum Claim Status
As of August 2024, Habteab was one of 1,334 Ethiopians with open asylum claims before Israel’s Interior Ministry.
“Habteab was one of 1,334 Ethiopians with open asylum claims before Israel’s Interior Ministry”
Revoked Protection
In January 2024, Israel revoked group protection for Ethiopians after claiming stability in Ethiopia.
“In January 2024, the Israeli Interior Ministry determined that the situation in Ethiopia was stable enough to send its nationals home”
Tigray War Resumes
Last month, rebel groups launched a full-scale offensive against federal forces in Tigray.
“Last month, an alliance of rebel groups launched a full-scale offensive against federal forces”
Communication Blackout
Tigray is under a communications blackout, reviving fears of total siege during the 2020-22 war.
“Much of Tigray is under a communications blackout, reviving fears of the total siege during the 2020-22 war”
Israeli Election Timing
With Israel’s national elections set for October 27, 2026, right-wing politicians are casting asylum seekers as threats.
“With Israel’s national elections set for Oct. 27, civil society advocates warn that right-wing politicians are once again casting asylum-seekers as a threat”
Asylum System Challenges
Israel has granted asylum status to less than 1 percent of those seeking it since 2009.
“Israel has granted asylum status to less than 1 percent of those seeking it, according to HIAS Israel”
Rejection Rates
90 percent to 95 percent of Ethiopian asylum seekers are rejected and given three to four months to leave.
“90 percent to 95 percent of those summoned are rejected and given three to four months to leave”
Resettlement Collapse
The U.S. refugee program was suspended in 2025, leaving few resettlement options for Ethiopians.
“When he returned to office in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump effectively dismantled the U.S. refugee admissions program”
Humanitarian Impact
A mother of three small children with no money to appeal her asylum rejection asked for help.
“She turns to me, 'Please help me, save my life,' and I have nothing to give her”
Systemic Obstacles
Asylum interviews require applicants to prove credible fear of persecution, a high burden of proof.
“The burden of proof placed on applicants for asylum to establish a credible fear of persecution is set very high”
Political Tensions
Israeli officials refer to migrants as 'infiltrators' and describe their presence as a danger to Jewish character.
“Israeli officials refer to some migrants and refugees as 'infiltrators', a term embedded in the country’s own laws”
Last Hope
With Ethiopia’s capital under threat, many families cannot contact relatives in Tigray.
“For those who cannot leave for another country and cannot stay in Israel, the return of war to Ethiopia has taken away their last consolation”
Systemic Failure
The UN refugee agency in Israel has staff reduced to three, with Tel Aviv office cut.
“The office of the U.N. refugee agency in Israel... has been hollowed out as part of the same pattern of global retrenchment against asylum”
Future Uncertainty
Ethiopian asylum seekers face deportation as Tigray war resurges and resettlement options vanish.
“For those who cannot leave for another country and cannot stay in Israel, the return of war to Ethiopia has taken away their last consolation”
Here's the gist
Israel could send Ethiopian asylum seekers back to Ethiopia amid renewed conflict after revoking their asylum protections.
