A group of Palestinian students with fully-funded places at universities across the UK have arrived in Scotland to begin their studies after being evacuated from Gaza.
It is the first time since the war began that people have been helped to leave Gaza in order to study in the UK.
Amongst them is Mohammed, who arrived in Glasgow two weeks ago to study infectious diseases.
The student said his decision to take up a place at the University of Glasgow was motivated by the trauma he witnessed in Gaza.
“Lots of children just lost their limbs, I didn’t have access to medicines or healthcare. It’s dark.
“It’s very dark, actually. What we are trying to do is something meaningful,” he said.
Mohammed was one of millions displaced by the conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 7, 2023 – around 90% of the population of Gaza.
He was living in a tent with his family in a displacement camp when he found out he had been selected for the programme.
He was able to celebrate the news with family, but faced the possibility of not being able to leave the country due to being unable to secure the correct biometric tests.
Following lobbying by politicians, the home secretary confirmed that special arrangements would be made that would allow the students to have their biometric checks carried out in a safe third country before travelling to take up their places.
The UK-authorised biometrics registration centre in Gaza closed in October 2023, but in order to obtain a UK visa, applicants had to provide a photo of their face and their fingerprints.
After months of waiting, Mohammed was able to make the journey and is settling into his new student life.
“Life in Glasgow is pretty amazing. And you have a supporting community right here, so it’s all good,” he said.
Despite Mohammed’s new chapter, he lives in constant fear for his family he left behind.
“The destruction is everywhere. It’s very hard. You are hearing airstrikes near you, and your brother, father, or anyone is out. And you are just wondering, okay, how are you? Is it near to you or not? We are experiencing that every moment,” he said.
Just two days before sitting down for the interview, Mohammed said he found out his family home was completely destroyed.
The student credited his family’s support with helping him through, sharing a message from them that said: “We are proud of you and our pride is not where you are but in what you will give back to your community and to the whole world.”
After completing his studies, he is determined to return home and put his studies to use.
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