Three students evacuated from Gaza arrive in Northern Ireland
Their arrival came shortly after the UK gave formal recognition to a Palestinian state
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has confirmed that three students who had recently been evacuated from Gaza have arrived in Northern Ireland to commence their studies at Ulster University.
The students were among 34 to arrive in the UK yesterday, on board three flights from Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan on fully-funded scholarships.
In total, more than 100 students in Palestine hold offers from universities in the UK, and campaigners are hoping that other students who hold offers but have yet to be evacuated will eventually be brought to the UK.
The Minister said: “I am delighted to welcome three students from Gaza. I have been working with the British Government to ensure all Gaza students with a scholarship to universities here, receive prompt and safe passage. I am pleased that these students have arrived safely and can now pursue their studies.
“Last week I wrote to the British Government Foreign and Home Secretaries calling for urgent action to ensure a remaining student arrives safely at the earliest opportunity.”
The Minister continued: “We have a responsibility to do everything we can to support students arriving from Gaza, to be mindful of their wellbeing after what they have lived through over the last two years and ensure that they receive a very warm welcome.”
SDLP MP Colum Eastwood welcomed the news and paid tribute to the work of Ulster University and the Home Office in bringing the students to Northern Ireland.
“Earlier this year I was made aware that three students resident in Gaza had secured prestigious Salam scholarships to study in Northern Ireland. Over the course of the last number of months we have been working with the students, the Home Office, Ulster University and others to secure visas and safe travel from Gaza to their places of study here.
“We received confirmation late last week that the students had safely arrived in Jordan, and I am delighted that they have now made it here, where they can begin their studies. This has been a broad effort from political representatives, the Home Office and Ulster University. It is a good news story.
“All of us can feel powerless sometimes to act in the face of the genocide in Gaza. But there’s power in every action no matter how small - whether it’s a boycott, attending a peaceful protests, making a donation or doing what you can to help the people desperately trying to survive. I know from our engagement with these students that they have faced unbelievable challenges but that they want to use what they learn here to help their families and their country. I wish them every success.”
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