"Much more needs to be done" for Gazan students • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Association for Academic Solidarity with Palestine (AASP): An NGO established in February 2024 to support Gazan students and universities.
• Gazan Students and Universities: The primary beneficiaries of AASP's initiatives, facing severe challenges due to the ongoing conflict.
• Online Courses and E-sims: Methods employed by AASP to facilitate continued education for Gazan students amidst connectivity issues.
• Scholarships and Admissions Abroad: A recent focus for AASP, assisting students in applying for opportunities outside Gaza.
• Palestine Exception: The perceived differential treatment of Palestinian students compared to others, particularly in accessing educational opportunities abroad.
• Student Evacuations: The process of allowing students to leave Gaza to pursue their studies, which is described as slow and opaque.
• Universal Right to Education: The fundamental principle that all individuals, including Palestinian students, should have access to education.

Summary

Current Situation in Gaza

The situation in Gaza is described as "infernal," characterized by widespread destruction, with thousands of tents washed away and buildings crumbling due to stormy weather. Babies are reportedly dying of hypothermia, and ongoing attacks persist. Israel maintains a blockade, severely restricting the entry of aid to a population facing starvation. While Israel announced that Palestinians could leave via the Rafah crossing with Egypt, no guarantee of return was provided. Furthermore, international support for urgent medical evacuations for Palestinians is limited.

Impact on Education and Healthcare

Israel has bombed the vast majority of Gaza's hospitals, leaving the remaining ones barely functional and lacking essential medical supplies, which Israel is blocking. Similarly, most schools and universities in Gaza have been bombed over the last two years, preventing most residents from attending classes for years. Some students have resorted to online studies, with many hoping that scholarships will enable them to leave the region.

Association for Academic Solidarity with Palestine (AASP)

Christine Habard, President of the Association for Academic Solidarity with Palestine (AASP), discusses the organization's efforts. AASP was founded in February 2024 by a professor of philosophy at the University of Leil with the aim of supporting Gazan students and universities.

AASP's Initiatives and Support Mechanisms

AASP has implemented a range of projects:

• Volunteer Support for Online Courses: Providing volunteers to assist Gazan universities, which have resumed online activities and continue to award degrees.
• Free Language Courses: Offering their own free language courses to Gazan students.
• Distribution of Free E-sims: Providing e-sims to ensure students can maintain connectivity with families abroad and follow their courses, download materials, and attend classes.
• High-Level Scientific Talks: Organizing scientific discussions for students.
• Practical Workshops: Conducting workshops for students.

Reach and Engagement

AASP has approximately 5,000 academic volunteers who have delivered around 1,000 courses. Their free language courses currently have about 100 running sessions. In total, two to three thousand Gazan students are currently working with AASP.

Shift in Focus: Scholarships and Admissions Abroad

A significant shift occurred in the spring, with a surge in demand for scholarships and admissions abroad from Gazan students. Previously, most students were willing to stay in Gaza and continue online studies. AASP has now expanded its focus to assisting Gazan students in applying for scholarships and admissions to foreign universities.

Challenges in Student Evacuations and Admissions

Christine Habard expresses frustration with the current situation regarding student evacuations and admissions abroad, describing it as "untenable," "illegitimate," "unfair," and "shortsighted" on the part of European countries and others.

Arguments Against Current Policies:

• Illegitimate and Unfair: Gazan students are described as "extremely well-qualified," "hardworking," and possessing a high level of intelligence and academic ability. They have been duly admitted to reputable universities, often with scholarships from private or public foundations, yet they remain "stuck."
• The "Palestine Exception": Habard highlights what she terms the "Palestine exception," suggesting that Palestinian students are not afforded the same rights or opportunities as other students.
• Double Standards: The situation is contrasted with the response to the crisis in Ukraine, implying a double standard in how different groups are treated.
• Shortsightedness: It is argued that preventing these students and scholars from entering European universities is shortsighted, as they would be a valuable asset to research institutions, labs, and universities.

Evacuation Process and Lack of Transparency:

• Limited Evacuations: Very few student evacuations have taken place. Most evacuations are for individuals with relatives in European countries or for medical reasons.
• "Deafening Silence": AASP and the students are met with "deafening silence" from authorities regarding evacuation timelines. Students receive conflicting, contradictory, or no information.
• Opaque and Discretionary Process: The process for student evacuations is described as "opaque," lacking transparency, and seemingly based on "discretionary" and "random decisions."
• "Left in a Limbo": Students are left waiting in limbo, with no clear understanding of when or if they will be able to leave.
• Contrasting Experiences: Students hear from friends who have been allowed out (due to existing family ties) only once they are safe, leading to further distress and confusion, especially when they have held scholarships for a year or more.

Countries' Responses:

• France: Described as "shamefully behind" in accepting Palestinian students.
• Ireland and Italy: Mentioned as having been "quite good" in their efforts.
• UK: Resumed efforts in October.
• Spain and Norway: Also noted for having made "some efforts."
• Overall: Despite some efforts, much more needs to be done, and the position of European countries and the EU as a whole is considered "indefensible."

Conclusion and Call to Action

The core issue is the lack of official rejection or clear communication, leaving students in a state of uncertainty. AASP emphasizes that there is a "universal right to education," and Palestinian students "definitely deserve to enjoy it fully." The current situation is characterized by a lack of transparency and a failure to uphold this fundamental right.