Seven Palestinians who had received Fulbright scholarship grants could not accept them due to the blockade of the Gaza Strip by Israel. The U.S. has stepped in and the students now will be allowed to leave and go to Jerusalem to apply for their visas.
The prestigious Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships to citizens of other countries so they are able to pursue higher studies at U.S. universities and other institutions.
After Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice heard that these students (who had been awarded these scholarships grants were not being allowed to leave the Gaza Strip), she stepped in.
A letter from the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem dated Sunday stated the officials were working
to allow the students exit permits to be able go to the consulate for the needed meetings to receive their visas.
According to Yahoo News, the letter said
"We are working very closely with the Government of Israel in order to secure its cooperation in this matter."
An Israeli government spokesman, Mark Regev, assured on Monday that the problem would be solved.
Regev added ,
"sincerely hopes that it will be possible to get the students out by the beginning of the coming academic year."
Anyone wishing to leave Gaza must undergo tight Israeli security checks.
U.S. restored Fulbright scholarships to 7 Gaza students
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