Britain’s Home Office confirmed Tuesday that it will adapt immigration procedures to allow several dozen students from Gaza to take up fully funded places at UK universities next month.
The students—around 40 in total, including nine Chevening scholars—will be able to complete biometric checks in a third country before travelling. However, Israel must still authorise each departure from Gaza.
The initiative comes as relations between London and Israel deteriorate after Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to recognise a Palestinian state if Israel refuses demands including a truce with Hamas, the terrorist group responsible for the October 7 attacks.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she wanted “no stone unturned” in helping the students reach Britain, though officials admit the process is “complex and challenging.”
The UK’s move risks adding further strain to already fragile diplomatic ties.
