Three students evacuated from Gaza arrive in Northern Ireland

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Three students recently evacuated from Gaza have arrived in Northern Ireland, where they will take up places at university, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has said.

They are among a group of students from Gaza who have recently arrived in the UK.

Ms Archibald said she had been working with the Government to ensure students from Gaza with a scholarship to universities in Northern Ireland receive “prompt and safe passage”.

She said: “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.”

She added: “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.”

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said he had worked to secure visas for the students.

He said: “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.”

Mr Eastwood added: “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 protest, 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.”

North Belfast MP John Finucane said he had worked over several months to ensure the students’ safe arrival.

He said: “We must also be mindful of what these students have experienced over the last two years.

“I’m sure they will be warmly welcomed by their fellow students and the wider community, who will do what they can to help them settle into their new surroundings.

“I wish them every success as they begin their studies, and my office will remain available to support them as needed.”