Dozens of students from Gaza have been given the green light to begin their studies at British universities this fall, after the UK government agreed to make special changes to

immigration rules.

The students, many of whom have been awarded fully funded scholarships, will be allowed to complete their biometric checks in a third country before traveling to the UK. But their ability to leave Gaza still hinges on Israel’s approval, a process complicated by tense relations between London and Jerusalem.

Last month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would move toward recognizing a Palestinian state unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire and a deal to release hostages still held in Gaza.

According to the BBC, about 40 students are expected to benefit from the plan. Among them, nine have been selected for the UK’s prestigious Chevening scholarships, which support “outstanding emerging leaders” to pursue one-year master’s programs in Britain. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has also signed off on arrangements to help around 30 others who secured funding through private scholarships.

A Home Office official described the process as “complex and challenging,” but emphasized that Cooper was determined to “leave no stone unturned” to ensure the students can take up their places in the weeks ahead.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Since then, Israel has tightly controlled who is allowed to exit Gaza. The Kerem Shalom crossing has been the main route out since Egypt shut the Rafah border in mid-2024, with most departures reportedly tied to medical cases.

For the students offered a chance to continue their education, the opportunity represents not only academic advancement but also a rare window of hope and normalcy amid the conflict. Photo by Template:Wmcu, Wikimedia commons.