Cuba Grants Scholarships to 200 Palestinian Students in Medical Fields

On 14 September 2024, the Cuban government announced 200 fully paid scholarships for Palestinian students to pursue medical education on their island. The initiative was unveiled by Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel during a meeting with Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Akram Mohammad Samhan, who is concluding his diplomatic mission in Havana.

This initiative is a significant move aimed to bolster international solidarity and comes as a continuation of Cuba’s long-standing support for Palestine and its people.

A Boost for Palestinian Healthcare

The scholarships aim to cover both undergraduate and graduate medical studies and seek to help Palestine’s strained medical infrastructure by addressing their need for healthcare professionals. With 250 Palestinian students already studying in Cuba, this additional batch of scholarships will significantly increase the number of Palestinian medical professionals in the pipeline.

For decades, the country has provided thousands of scholarships to students from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. The support for Palestinian students forms part of this global initiative, reflecting Cuba’s pivotal role in developing medical expertise in regions impacted by conflict and poverty.

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties While Investing in the Future

During the meeting, Ambassador Samhan expressed his gratitude to Cuba, highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two nations and Cuba’s unwavering support for Palestine. This educational assistance underscores Cuba’s humanitarian efforts and diplomatic stance in supporting Palestinian rights.

The announcement of these scholarships aligns with Cuba’s continued advocacy for Palestine at international forums such as the United Nations. Cuba stood firm in its support for Palestine earlier this year at South Africa’s unforgettable case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Cuba’s Longstanding Pro-Palestine Stance

Cuba has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, both politically and through public demonstrations. Since recognizing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1974, Cuba has advocated for Palestinian self-determination and condemned Israeli actions.

Pro-Palestine protests frequently occur in Cuba, with citizens rallying against Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, reflecting the Cuban government’s official stance.

In diplomatic arenas, Cuba backs Palestine through active involvement in international institutions. It strongly supported the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings that declared Israeli settlements and the separation wall illegal.

Cuba frequently calls for the enforcement of these rulings and pushes for the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Its advocacy at forums like the United Nations highlights its commitment to multilateral solutions and international law as crucial elements in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

By investing in education, Cuba reaffirms its solidarity with Palestine, supporting its ongoing struggle for statehood and stability while demonstrating a firm belief in education as a tool for social and humanitarian progress.

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