Belgium’s leading universities have condemned the government’s refusal to help 13 Gaza students reach the country after they won scholarships to study or conduct research there.
The university leaders said the students had earned their places through rigorous academic selection. They also criticized the government for allowing the issue to become part of a wider political dispute over migration.
Belgium’s top 10 universities expressed their dismay in a joint statement on Monday. They accused coalition politicians of turning the students into bargaining chips.
Gaza Students Caught in Belgium Political Dispute
The dispute has exposed divisions inside Belgium’s five-party coalition.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has supported bringing the students to Belgium. However, he faced opposition from the Flemish nationalist N-VA, the party of Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
Prévot said a coalition partner wanted migration concessions before supporting the evacuation plan. Those demands reportedly included arrangements linked to the return of migrants and proposed return hubs outside the European Union.
The disagreement eventually blocked a government decision.
Prévot had proposed a plan covering the 13 scholarship students. His proposal also called for a gradual restart of evacuations for other Palestinians with permission to enter Belgium.
Universities Reject Political Bargaining
The university rectors strongly rejected the idea of linking the students’ future to migration negotiations.
They said the students should receive consideration based on their academic achievements. The universities also noted that the students intend to return to Gaza and contribute to rebuilding their communities.
The universities said the continuing deadlock reflects political choices rather than unavoidable obstacles. They urged the government to find a solution that allows the students to begin their studies.
Meanwhile, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel said the university doors remain open to the students. It also criticized what it described as a lack of political will.
About 1,500 Palestinians Await Entry
The 13 scholarship recipients are part of a much larger group.
Several NGOs say around 1,500 Palestinians in Gaza have permission to travel to Belgium. Many received approval through family reunification arrangements.
However, getting out of Gaza remains extremely difficult. Activists have accused Belgian authorities of moving too slowly on evacuations.
The issue also extends beyond Belgium. Palestinian students seeking places in Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands and Germany have reported delays.
Gaza War Adds Urgency
The dispute comes as the war in Gaza continues to create enormous pressure on civilians and institutions.
Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, killing 1,221 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has killed more than 73,000 people in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
For the 13 students, the immediate issue is more personal. They have scholarships, university places and plans to continue their education.
Yet they remain unable to reach Belgium.
The university leaders now want the government to separate their academic futures from broader political negotiations. For the students, every delay could mean another academic opportunity lost.
