Many students in Gaza, like Mariam al-Najar, are unable to leave the enclave to attend European universities, even after securing scholarships and admissions. The primary obstacle is not university acceptance, but navigating complex travel restrictions and bureaucracy imposed by Israel and European countries, often requiring transit through Israel and Jordan. While Italy has been a main destination, facilitating the evacuation of approximately 229 students between 2025 and 2026, and another 40 in June 2026, hundreds more remain stuck. Organizations like Gaza40+ are assisting over 1,200 registered Palestinian students seeking to continue their education abroad, with 120 having successfully left so far.