EXCLUSIVE HOPE GROWS FOR GAZA STUDENT

ON THE BRINK OF A NEW LIFE

- BY HANNAH RODGER Political Editor

A GAZAN woman backed to come to Scotland by the Sunday Mail to study looks set to be evacuated by the UK Government.

Shaymaa, 32, has a fully-funded scholarship for a PhD in English Literature at Edinburgh University but has been unable to take up the place because of UK visa processing problems.

She is one of dozens of students with UK university places stuck in war-torn Gaza.

After the Sunday Mail highlighted her plight, Shaymaa and about 40 other students with full scholarships are preparing to be evacuated from the region after reports last week that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper approved plans to get them out.

We understand the Home Office is working at pace to negotiate a way for the students to leave but the group has yet to be given any details and courses are due to start this week.

Shaymaa said: "I've just read the news but we haven't been given any information yet.

"We were told to expect official emails last week but we've heard nothing.

"Hopefully as soon as possible we'll know what is happening."

SUPPORT

John Swinney The former lecturer said having the chance to study in Scotland would not only give her a better education but it would literally save her life.