Stranded in Gaza, Student Risks Losing UK Scholarship as Evacuation Stalls
GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP - Logain Hamdan, a 22-year-old computer engineering student and freelance writer from Gaza, is facing the possibility of losing his prestigious UK scholarship after being left behind in the latest evacuation list.
According to sources close to the matter, on September 17, 34 students were evacuated from Gaza to the United Kingdom to begin their studies. Many of them had applied for their visas after Hamdan applied for his own visa. However, when the next evacuation list arrived on September 29, the shock struck him with crushing force: there were 17 more names on it, but his was not among them.
"I felt joy and peace for my friends who made it out," Hamdan said in an interview. "But when I saw that I wasn't on the list, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment and frustration."
Hamdan is not alone in facing this uncertainty. At least eight other students in Gaza, all recipients of prestigious scholarships, have received similar news.
The UK government has been evacuating students from Gaza since 2020 as part of its efforts to support Palestinian education. However, the process has been slow due to various logistical and security concerns.
"The evacuation process is complex and requires careful planning," said a spokesperson for the British Embassy in Tel Aviv. "We understand the frustration of those who have been left behind, but we are working tirelessly to ensure that all eligible students can continue their studies safely."
The implications of being stranded in Gaza are far-reaching. With no clear timeline for the next evacuation, Hamdan and his fellow students risk losing their scholarships, which could have significant consequences on their academic and professional futures.
"The scholarship is not just a financial support, but also an opportunity to gain international experience and build connections," said Dr. Amal Al-Ashqar, a Gaza-based education expert. "If these students are unable to complete their studies, it will not only affect them personally, but also the Palestinian community as a whole."
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, Hamdan remains hopeful that he will eventually be able to join his peers in the UK.
"I am confident that with persistence and determination, I will be able to overcome this challenge," he said. "I just hope that it happens soon, so I can continue my studies without any further delays."
The next evacuation list is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Until then, Hamdan and his fellow students remain stranded in Gaza, waiting for their chance to pursue their academic dreams.
Background:
The UK government has been evacuating students from Gaza since 2020 as part of its efforts to support Palestinian education.
The evacuation process is complex and requires careful planning due to various logistical and security concerns.
At least eight other students in Gaza, all recipients of prestigious scholarships, have received similar news.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Amal Al-Ashqar, a Gaza-based education expert, emphasized the importance of international experience for Palestinian students. "The scholarship is not just a financial support, but also an opportunity to gain international experience and build connections," she said.
A spokesperson for the British Embassy in Tel Aviv acknowledged the frustration of those who have been left behind, but assured that they are working tirelessly to ensure that all eligible students can continue their studies safely.
Current Status:
The next evacuation list is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Hamdan and his fellow students remain stranded in Gaza, waiting for their chance to pursue their academic dreams.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
