The gathering, organized by TOGEMDER, was attended by prominent Turkish figures, highlighting the students’ plight and discussing educational opportunities in Turkey. President Erdoğan’s decree waived tuition for Palestinian students affected by the conflict, reflecting Turkey’s commitment to supporting education and humanitarian aid amidst the region’s turmoil.
Istanbul recently hosted 102 Palestinian students who were evacuated from Gaza amid the relentless conflicts with Israel. The gathering was organized by the Social Development Center-Education and Social Solidarity Association.
These students, once caught in the turmoil of their homeland, found refuge through the coordinated efforts of the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. The event was graced by significant figures including Müşerref Pervin Tuba Durgut, a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party). Durgut poignantly addressed the plight of the Palestinian people, commending their bravery and determination amidst the ongoing crisis.
Belma Satır, Chair of TOGEMDER’s board, emphasized the gathering’s purpose: to explore avenues for supporting these students, particularly in continuing their education in Turkey. Notably, many of these students, including a significant number of Palestinian-Turkish women, are enrolled in various Turkish universities.
Challenges
Among the students was Ahmed Aldalou, a civil engineering student whose education was abruptly halted due to the conflict. Married to a Turkish citizen, Aldalou expressed his hope for admission into Turkish universities, highlighting the dire situation in Gaza where educational infrastructure has been severely compromised.
Turkey, renowned for its hospitality towards international students, has been a destination for many Palestinian students from Gaza and other cities. In a significant move, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently issued a decree ensuring tuition fee waivers for master’s and doctoral Palestinian students from war-affected Gaza for the 2023-2024 academic year. This decree extends financial support previously offered to associate and undergraduate students, underlining Turkey’s commitment to education and humanitarian aid.
Turmoil
However, the situation in Gaza remains grim. The Palestinian Education Ministry reported the tragic loss of over 4,000 school students and injuries to more than 7,500 in ongoing Israeli attacks. Additionally, in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces have caused numerous student casualties and significant damage to educational facilities.
In a further escalation, recent reports reveal the detention of 55 Palestinians, including 25 students from Al-Najah National University, by Israeli forces in the West Bank. These incidents, characterized by violence and property damage, reflect the continuing tension and unrest in the region. The total number of Palestinian detainees in the West Bank since Oct. 7, 2023 has escalated to 5,930, not including those in Gaza.
