Gazan Students Begin UK Studies Amidst Ongoing Conflict
London – A group of students from Gaza have arrived in the United Kingdom to begin university studies, offering a rare moment of hope amidst the ongoing conflict. The students’ arrival was facilitated by a UK government scheme designed to offer educational opportunities to those affected by the war.
Though, the programme has faced criticism from charities and universities over rules preventing students from bringing family members with them. At least four mothers and one father have declined their places due to this restriction, according to Dr. Parr.
Manar al-Houbi, who holds a PhD place at the University of Glasgow, expressed her distress, stating she was “shocked” to learn she would have to leave her three young children and husband in Gaza. “I know the government will make the right decision, but I’m very anxious. I don’t want to be shocked again. The feeling of shock is exhausting… I can’t bear to experience any more shocks,” she said.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged the hardship, stating the government aims “to bring people who are able to study, not to cause them further pain or hardship” by forcing students to leave families behind.
The students’ arrival follows the recent evacuation of severely ill children from Gaza for urgent treatment within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).It also coincides with the UK government’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state, marked by a flag-raising ceremony in London where Palestinian Mission to the UK head Husam Zomlot praised the students’ resilience.
“Can you imagine what it took for them and their families and communities to achieve this? To study and take exams and fill out applications in the throes of a genocide, under bombs, without electricity and on empty stomachs,” Zomlot said.”Thes are the Palestinian people. This is the spirit of Palestine.”
The conflict began on October 7,2023,following an attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel,resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, over 65,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on education in Gaza, while acknowledging the students’ “incredible resilience and unwavering determination to pursue their studies against an appalling backdrop of death, destruction and famine.”
