A Bradford University student who has been trapped in Gaza for months was due to arrive back in the UK today.

Khaled al-Mudallal, of Great Horton, Bradford, had returned to his native Gaza to marry but found himself caught up in an ongoing siege by the Israeli army. Passage in and out of the region was severely restricted and supplies of food and aid were cut off.

Mr al-Mudallal, a Business Studies student about to begin the third year of his course, was prevented from leaving Gaza when Israel closed the borders to the area.

A UK-wide campaign was started by the National Union of Students, supported by the University of Bradford. An on-line petition demanding Mr al-Mudallal and hundreds of other students be allowed to return to their studies was signed by about 1,000 people.

After months of torment and uncertainty Khaled Mudallal was due back on UK soil this afternoon, flying into Heathrow Airport.

A spokesman for the University of Bradford Student Union said: "We are delighted that Khaled has been allowed to return to continue his studies. Everyone worked so hard to campaign for him and the other students trapped in Gaza.

"We will be here to support him on his return and help him settle in again."

  • See full story in tomorrow's Telegraph & Argus

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here