Ireland welcomes 52 Palestinian students as war and famine devastate Gaza

Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) gather at the Spire in O'Connell Street, Dublin, in a show of solidarity for Palestinian journalists in Gaza, part of a day of action organised by union members from branches across Ireland and the UK. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A group of 52 young Palestinians from Gaza will arrive in Ireland in the coming days to begin new lives and study.

The first group of 26 students is expected to arrive today, with the remaining students due between Friday and Sunday.

All have been offered scholarships by Irish education institutions.

The evacuation of the 52 students comes as the Israeli government continues its war in Gaza, with an offensive planned in Gaza City.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including its embassies in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Türkiye, said it worked closely with authorities to ensure the group could travel.

The DFA said it has helped more than 200 people leave Gaza since the Israeli bombardment began almost two years ago.

“As exit from Gaza is dependent on receipt of permission from the relevant local authorities, both in Israel and neighbouring jurisdictions, such assistance often rests outside the control of the Government of Ireland,” the department said.

In a statement, Tánaiste Simon Harris welcomed the students to Ireland, wished them success in their studies, and thanked embassy and consular staff for their work.

“We remain gravely concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, including the recent decision of the Israeli authorities to escalate their military offensive,” Mr Harris said.

“This will only exacerbate the current suffering and ever-rising number of civilian casualties. Famine has been declared in parts of the Gaza Strip and is projected to spread further in the coming weeks.

“There is no justification for this man-made humanitarian crisis. Ireland has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire agreement and permanent end to hostilities, for the immediate release of all hostages and for the rapid, unimpeded and large-scale entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.” 

On Thursday, the University of Limerick Foundation urged alumni to support efforts to bring Palestinian students to UL to continue their education in safety.

"The situation in Gaza is devastating — daily life is marked by siege, loss, and fear. These young people have seen their futures torn apart.” 

In a message to alumni, the foundation said all donations will directly support the students’ living costs, including food, accommodation, and clothing.

The evacuation of the 52 students comes as the Israeli government continues its war in Gaza, with an offensive planned in Gaza City.

Sam Rose, acting director of Gaza operations for UNRWA, warned that if the IDF proceeds with its offensive, “all hope is gone that we’re ever going to see the end to this.”