Sir, – The refusal to grant a visa to Hazem Faris, the 19-year-old student from Gaza awarded a full scholarship to study at Setu Waterford, speaks to the casual cruelty of a bureaucratic system devoid of humanitarian impulse. (“Gazan student says visa refusal ‘worst feeling I have ever experienced’,” Social Affairs, September 21st).
Hazem is one of 115 Palestinians refused a visa so far this year, compared with 22 for 2025. Many fewer visas have been granted in 2026, 50 compared with 114 in 2025.
Our Government has repeatedly presented itself as a defender of Palestinian rights and has garnered praise internationally for its criticism of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
It is therefore beyond disappointing that when it comes to materially improving the lives of a tiny number of gifted students in Gaza, our Government is found wanting. – Yours, etc,
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TOMAS MCBRIDE,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.
