Attorney Sari Bashi of the Gisha organization stated in a radio interview on Thursday stated that Israel should permit a number of excellent Gaza students to leave to travel abroad, where they have been granted higher education scholarships.

Bashi stated that the actions of the government represent “collective punishment”, calling the move “unacceptable”, adding none of the students in question are wanted for any security offenses, explaining “they are not permitted because of the rocket attacks”.

Bashi acknowledged Israel’s right and responsibility to protect its citizens, but stressed the students will not be going from Gaza to Israel, but to destinations abroad so there is no threat.

“You cannot dance at two weddings. Israel cannot claim it withdrew from Gaza while holding Gazan residents hostage.”

Responding, Likud MK Reuven Rivlin told Kol Chair Radio that the students could have quietly requested to leave to take advantage of the scholarships and they would have received permission but they instead opted to make a public political issue over the matter and “wave the flag”, and as a result, they are now in a bind.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)