Thirty-four Palestinian students evacuated from Gaza
have arrived in the UK with fully funded scholarships to start their university
courses amidst ongoing conflict. Their evacuation, a result of extensive
campaigning and coordination involving the British government, Jordanian
authorities, and Israeli cooperation, marks a significant step towards
safeguarding education for Gaza’s youth.
Evacuation and Arrival Amid Conflict
As reported by Arab News, a group of Gazan students who
secured prestigious scholarships, including the competitive Chevening awards,
have begun arriving in the UK this autumn to pursue undergraduate and master’s
degrees at leading universities. The UK government facilitated their departure
from Gaza through support from international partners like Jordan and Israel,
acknowledging the devastated state of education in Gaza due to the conflict.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper praised the students for their “incredible
resilience and unwavering determination” in continuing their studies under dire
circumstances, emphasizing the importance of education in Gaza’s postwar
reconstruction. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson expressed relief that
the students can now study in safety after enduring significant personal losses
and disruption.
Students’ Journey and Scholarships
In coverage by 5Pillars UK, 34 Palestinian students with
fully funded university scholarships arrived in London and Manchester after
travelling from Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan. Some students
continued their journeys to Northern Ireland and Scotland to begin their
academic programmes. The evacuations followed months of political and academic
campaigning to overcome visa barriers and logistical difficulties imposed by
the ongoing war conditions, which had prevented over 100 students—40 of whom
had scholarships—from starting their studies. The campaign group “Gaza40Plus”
played a key role in advocating for the students’ safe passage and hopes to
establish ongoing support pathways for Palestinian academics and scholars.
Regional Distribution and Continued Efforts
According to BBC News Northern Ireland, three of the
evacuated students have enrolled in higher education institutions in Northern
Ireland, joined by a fourth expected soon. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald
noted collaboration with the UK government to ensure safe, prompt passage for
scholarship recipients. She highlighted the students’ bravery in overcoming years
of conflict and hardship to reach this milestone. The evacuation initiative is
the first since the conflict began to enable Gazans to leave for educational
purposes in the UK. The Stormont executive’s earlier support for medical
evacuations of children from Gaza complemented these efforts, with ongoing work
to assist more students.
Challenges and Family Separation
The National News detailed difficulties faced by some
students who chose not to evacuate because they could not bring their families
with them. Three students declined offers after learning they could not
evacuate their spouses and children, with some families left behind despite
having UK visas. The Bseisu Foundation, which supported 11 students with
scholarships and living costs, criticised the requirement for students to
separate from families, arguing it forced impossible choices between education
and family unity. Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot praised the
students’ determination, noting how they achieved competitive scholarships
despite living through bombing, energy shortages, and hunger. Foreign Secretary
Yvette Cooper reiterated the UK’s commitment to rebuilding Gaza through
education.
Institutional Responses and Concerns
Oxford University officials expressed concern over
immigration policies preventing talented Gazan scholars with young families
from taking up their places. Organisations such as the Refugee Council
criticised these rules as excessively harsh. Meanwhile, the government
coordinated biometric checks in Jordan before allowing students to enter the
UK, working closely with Israeli authorities.
Registration and Start of Studies
According to reports by Zamin and other sources, the students are currently registering at universities in London, Edinburgh, and Manchester, with some beginning classes within hours of arrival. All recipients hold fully funded scholarships acknowledging their potential as future leaders poised to contribute to Gaza’s recovery and peacebuilding.