Students leave Gaza to continue studies, others in limbo

July 6, 2026 - 00:40

More than three school years have passed since the start of Israel's war in Gaza, and a growing number of Palestinian students are now restarting their university education abroad. For these young people, leaving the Strip has meant a chance to reclaim their academic futures after prolonged disruption. However, education in Gaza itself has yet to return to normal, with many schools and universities still damaged or destroyed.

While some students have managed to secure scholarships or transfer credits to institutions in countries like Qatar, Turkey, and Malaysia, thousands of others remain in limbo. They are caught between destroyed campuses, travel restrictions, and a lack of clear documentation for their previous coursework. Local universities in Gaza have tried to adapt by expanding online teaching, but the effort is hampered by unreliable internet and power shortages.

The situation has created a stark divide. Those who left describe a mix of relief and guilt, knowing they are studying while friends and family endure ongoing hardship. For the students still in Gaza, each day without a classroom feels like another lost year. International aid groups have called for more support to rebuild educational infrastructure, but with the conflict unresolved, the path forward remains uncertain for both those who escaped and those who cannot.