Dublin: Ireland has welcomed the first group of Palestinian students from Gaza, marking a significant step in the government’s initiative to support young people whose education has been disrupted by conflict.
The group of 26 students arrived last week to begin their studies at Irish universities. They represent the first half of a cohort of 52 students, with the remaining group scheduled to arrive over the next two days.
The students’ journey was complex, involving multiple stages — departing Gaza, passing through Israel, securing entry permits for Jordan, and finally travelling via Amman and Istanbul before reaching Dublin. According to reports, Israeli authorities permitted them to carry only limited belongings, such as small handbags, essential documents, medicine, and mobile phones, while items like gold and laptops were prohibited.
Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, the students were screened and given medical assistance before meeting representatives from their host universities.
The initiative was coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Higher Education, and a network of Irish universities, including SETU, TCD, UCD, UL, Mary Immaculate College, University of Galway, Maynooth University, ATU, RCSI, TU Dublin, and DCU.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said that Ireland has now facilitated the evacuation of more than 200 people from Gaza, describing this effort as a practical demonstration of solidarity with Palestine. He assured that the students will receive full support, including healthcare and other essential services, to help them integrate and continue their education.
Ireland’s move echoes its earlier response to the Afghan crisis, when hundreds of Afghan nationals, including students, were resettled following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
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