Belgium says it cannot evacuate 13 Gaza scholarship students

Brussels, Belgium. Belgium’s King Philippe and the foreign ministry have said they cannot do more to help evacuate 13 students from Gaza who have won scholarships at Belgian universities.

The students received a response from the Royal Palace last month after appealing for assistance, but on August 10 the foreign ministry said no further action was possible.

Visa and exit barriers

According to EUobserver, the foreign ministry said that changing visa procedures, including allowing online applications, would not remove the main obstacle: the ability to leave Gaza.

The students are seeking to leave the territory to begin their studies in Belgium.

Arrangements in other countries

The United Kingdom has said it will help high-achieving students from Gaza who hold fully funded scholarships and meet immigration requirements to leave and continue their studies.

In a written ministerial statement to Parliament in June, the UK Foreign Secretary said the arrangements build on support provided to more than 100 fully funded scholarship students who came to the UK during the current academic year.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said talented young people in Gaza should not be denied the opportunity to study because of conditions and restrictions there, adding that special arrangements would continue for Chevening scholars and other students with places at UK universities.

Italian programme

Italy and San Marino have brought 246 scholarship students from Gaza through Italy’s IUPALS programme for Palestinian students between September 2025 and June 1.

A further 50 students are awaiting clearance to leave the Israeli-occupied territory, where most higher education institutions have been destroyed.

Student evacuations have been halted since June 1 because of bureaucratic delays.