Palestinian cultural tour to Ireland in limbo as Government tightens visa policy

'Travelling is a very important opportunity for the children,' says Mohammad Alazza, the director of the Lajee Centre in Aida Camp. 'The only time they can practise freedom is when they are abroad.' Pictures: Hannah McCarthy

About 40% of visa applications from Palestinian nationals have been rejected by Ireland since October 2023.

On the third floor of the Lajee Centre in Aida refugee camp on the outskirts of Bethlehem, Worod Al-Dibis is playing the Oud, a type of lute that has been played for thousands of years by Arab and Persian musicians.