Ben White writes:
I’ve received an update from Gisha, the legal centre representing Bethlehem University student Berlanty Azzam [pictured] who Israel expelled last month from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip. The court delayed proceedings once again to December 6th (remembering that Berlanty was initially taken by Israeli forces almost 5 weeks ago). Here’s Gisha spokesperson Keren Tamir:
"We are disappointed in the ongoing delay – while the semester melts away without Berlanty being permitted to attend her classes. This case raises questions as to why Israel insists on trying to prevent talented Palestinian students like Berlanty from accessing higher education – even when Israel itself makes no allegation of a security threat.
"I’m also attaching an affidavit [sorry, editor at Mondo cant upload] submitted today to the court from the Ambassador of the Vatican in Israel in which he makes a commitment by the Vatican that, if ordered by the court to do so, Berlanty would agree to go back to Gaza after the completion of her studies. Even this commitment didn’t help to persuade the State and the Court to let her travel."
