Seventy-two Palestinian university students recently exited Gaza. They will pursue studies in Italy and San Marino. This brings the total number of young people evacuated from the Gaza Strip since September to 229.
General Context
According to Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the students departed Gaza as part of the “university corridor” operation. The initiative allows selected Palestinian youth to continue higher education abroad. Two students head to San Marino, while the rest join 21 Italian universities.
The ministry announced the group expected to reach Amman, Jordan, on Monday evening. They were scheduled to travel onward to Italy the following day. This operation stems from efforts by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Previous evacuations occurred between September and December 2025. Four operations then transferred 157 students through coordinated channels. The latest group marks a significant addition to those efforts.
Italian authorities collaborated with university networks for this program. The Conference of Italian University Rectors supported earlier phases. Applications far exceeded available scholarships in past rounds.
How Are Stakeholders Responding?
Italy’s Foreign Ministry highlighted the operation’s success in providing educational opportunities. Minister Tajani’s initiative aims to support Palestinian youth amid challenges. No direct quotes from students appear in ministry statements.
Haberler.com reported the ministry’s confirmation of the evacuation. The outlet noted the students’ imminent arrival in Amman before Italy transfer. Coverage emphasized the program’s role in aiding Gaza residents.
Middle East Monitor detailed logistics of the journey via Jordan. The report aligned with ministry timelines for the group’s movement. It framed the effort within broader humanitarian considerations.
Times Higher Education previously covered similar “university corridors.” That piece discussed collaborations between government and 35 Italian universities. It mentioned high demand, like 560 applications for 22 University of Milan spots.
Supporting Details
Program Background
The “university corridor” targets Palestinian students from Gaza and other territories. Italy’s Foreign Ministry leads coordination with Jordanian and Israeli authorities. Earlier blocks in channels prompted exploration of alternatives.
In February 2026, the ministry worked on new evacuation paths. It referenced 165 requests via the Jerusalem consulate. Not all tied to the main IUPALS program for Palestinian students.
CRUI’s IUPALS initiative enables academic continuity at Italian institutions. Four prior operations in late 2025 moved 39, 49, 61, and 8 students respectively. These built momentum for ongoing efforts.
Evacuation Scale
Since September 2025, Italy’s operations total 229 evacuations. This reflects repeated missions despite logistical hurdles. The ministry tracks progress through official channels.
Haberler.com specified 72 students in the latest group. It confirmed distribution across Italian cities and San Marino. The report drew directly from the ministry’s written statement.
Middle East Monitor reiterated the Amman-Italy route. US Muslims echoed the same details on timing and destination. Consistency across outlets verifies the event’s outline.
What Future Evacuations Are Planned?
Italy’s ministry indicated ongoing work for additional channels. February updates mentioned reactivating corridors post-blockages. New options aim to assist more Gaza youth.
The IUPALS program continues receiving applications. Universities like Milan prepare scholarships for identified candidates. Demand suggests potential for expanded operations.
ReliefWeb and EU reports note broader evacuations from Gaza. These include medical cases but highlight student initiatives separately. Italy’s efforts stand out for education focus.
Civil Protection updates track patient and companion movements. Since October 2023, thousands have exited via EU mechanisms. Student corridors complement these humanitarian paths.
Future developments depend on coordination with regional partners. Ministry statements stress exploring alternatives amid restrictions. No specific dates for next groups emerged.
Ongoing conflict affects Gaza’s 1.9 million displaced residents. Reports from Costs of War estimate millions impacted since October 2023. Student evacuations offer targeted relief.
Italian universities gear up for arrivals. Vice-rectors like Stefano Simonetta previously discussed integration. High application volumes signal sustained interest.
Educational Opportunities Abroad
The 72 students represent fields across disciplines. Italian institutions in various cities will host most. San Marino accepts two for specialized programs.
CRUI coordinates with 35 universities in broader efforts. Scholarships cover tuition and support for Palestinians. This framework sustained four 2025 operations.
Times Higher Education noted Ireland’s parallel attempts. Those faced blocks, unlike Italy’s successes. Collective efforts could amplify evacuations.
Ministry data shows 157 students by December 2025. The recent 72 elevates the figure to 229. This progression underscores program’s growth.
Logistical Challenges
Evacuations require Jordanian and Israeli approvals. Past channels closed, prompting new routes. Amman serves as key transit hub.
Haberler.com detailed evening arrival expectations in Jordan. Next-day flights to Italy followed standard protocol. No delays reported in latest operation.
Middle East Monitor confirmed the sequence. It positioned the event amid Gaza’s restricted access. Verification across sources solidifies reliability.
Broader Humanitarian Framework
EU civil protection evacuated 454 patients and companions. These figures span multiple states since crisis onset. Student programs add educational dimension.
ReliefWeb cited WHO data on 10,620 patient evacuations. Companions totaled over 12,000 by recent counts. Italy’s youth focus differentiates it.
Costs of War tallied 5.27 million displacements region-wide. Gaza accounts for vast majority of events. Student exits provide narrow but vital outlets.
Solidarites reported 1.9 million Gaza displacements. Over 90% of population affected repeatedly. Italy’s initiative addresses youth subset.
Times of Israel noted large-scale movements earlier. Half a million left Gaza City by late 2025. Context frames student evacuations.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry sustains momentum. Total of 229 since September reflects commitment. Future operations hinge on diplomatic progress.
The 72 students’ departure advances educational access. Italy hosts them across 21 universities plus San Marino. Cumulative evacuations reach 229 young Palestinians.
Ministry coordination enabled the latest group via Jordan. Prior operations built this capacity since September 2025. Reports confirm arrivals imminent.
Student demand exceeds slots consistently. Universities prepare integration support. Efforts persist amid Gaza’s challenges.
