A young Palestinian scientist from Gaza has appealed for help from the Government to take up his position at Trinity College Dublin.
Ezzeldeen Alswerky was awarded a biochemistry research assistant position at the university in June but is currently stranded in the embattled enclave.
The 22-year-old is a graduate of the biotechnology program at the Islamic University of Gaza.
He applied to institutions in Brazil, the US and Ireland, according to Trinity’s student newspaper The University Times, before eventually choosing Trinity.
In order to apply for an Irish visa, however, Mr Alswerky will first have to find a way into Egypt.
Mr Alswerky is asking for assistance in crossing from Gaza into Egypt in the face of extortionate prices.
“I need help from the Irish Government [and] from Trinity College… for helping me to evacuate safely,” he said.
“[There is a] high cost to move to Egypt – now since the war started it costs $5,000”.
Mr Alswerky said everything changed last October when the war began.
“On Saturday the 7th of October the most important test should have been done on this day,” he said.
“On the 10th of October Israel Defence Forces destroyed my university and destroyed my dreams.
“All my scientific research was stopped”.
During the ongoing bombing campaign by Israel Mr Alswerky lost his brother, his home and the family business, according to The University Times.
Ireland and Palestine
It comes as Palestinian children are to be evacuated from Gaza to receive medical treatment in Ireland.
In the first wave 30 children will travel alongside a carer who will be accommodated in homes owned by healthcare workers.
The children will be flown in by the European Union after being cleared by Irish medics who will travel to Palestine.
More 41,000 people have been killed in the Palestinian enclave since the Israeli war began last October with over 94,000 injured.
Recent data from the World Health Orgainsation (WHO) estimates that over 22,000 people have sustained life-altering injuries.
Severe limb injuries affecting between 13,000 and 17,000 people are “often resulting in amputation”.
On Monday United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator Sigrid Kaag told the Security Council that not enough progress is being made in getting desperately needed aid and commercial goods into Gaza.
Additional reporting: Keith Kelly
Main image: Ezzeldeen Alswerky. Image: LinkedIn
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