From the Guardian · · 2m
Gaza students lose route to Belgium scholarships
Thirteen Gaza students won Belgian scholarships, but politics has left them trapped as classes begin without them.
In brief
Thirteen Gaza students won Belgian scholarships, but politics has left them trapped as classes begin without them. The students cleared academic hurdles, but without an evacuation deal they cannot reach visas, universities, or the training Gaza needs for recovery. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Scholarships are stuck
Thirteen students and researchers in Gaza won places at Belgian universities. Belgium's coalition failed to agree on an evacuation plan, leaving them unable to leave.
A doctor waits
Ahmed Abujami has a public health scholarship in Antwerp. He wants training that could help rebuild Gaza's broken health system.
“I was devastated by the failure to reach an agreement on Friday”
Visas need travel
Many cannot even apply for Belgian visas because applications must be made in person in Jerusalem or Cairo. Gaza's borders keep them trapped.
“We have already lost so much because of the war”
They followed the rules
Abujami says the group passed strict academic selection and earned scholarships. Their futures are now caught in Belgian coalition bargaining.
“We have nothing to do with the political disagreements surrounding our case.”
Hope gets thinner
Salwa Abu Elhaj still hopes to study communications sciences at KU Leuven. She lives in a tent in central Gaza after her home was destroyed.
“with every passing day, that hope becomes more difficult”
Research is on hold
Ahmed Alsalibi has a Brussels fellowship to build AI-aided ambulance dispatch systems for Gaza. His visa is approved, but he must collect it outside Gaza.
“We hope that the government in the end will decide to help us.”
Universities push back
Rectors from seven Belgian institutions said they were outraged. They argued the students are scholarship winners, not illegal migrants.
“The doors of our lecture halls remain open.”
A coalition blocks it
Foreign minister Maxime Prevot withdrew the evacuation proposal after a coalition partner tied it to tougher deportation demands, including returns to Afghanistan.
“Dignity is not for sale.”
Migration fears dominate
Asylum and migration minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt opposes entry without stronger removals policy. She warned the case could set a wider precedent.
“Why wouldn’t that apply to people from Yemen or Sudan?”
Time is slipping
Some academic years have already begun. Each day in Gaza raises the chance that the students lose another year, and Belgium loses a chance to help future reconstruction.
“every day we remain trapped in Gaza puts our futures at greater risk”
The one thing
The students cleared academic hurdles, but without an evacuation deal they cannot reach visas, universities, or the training Gaza needs for recovery.
