Court denies Gazan study in West Bank

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JERUSALEM, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Israel's High Court says residents of Gaza do not have the automatic right to study at West Bank universities.

The court rejected a petition by four women, all in the late 30s and 40s, who wanted to do graduate work at Birzeit University, Haaretz reported. The Israeli government argued Gazans do not have the right to study in the West Bank.

The petition was filed by the al-Mezan Center for Human Rights in Gaza and Gisha, an Israeli group that advocates for giving Palestinians, especially those in Gaza, more freedom of movement.

Since 2000, the restriction has been lifted for only three students from Gaza. All three had received U.S. government scholarships.

Justice Elyakim Rubinstein recommended the creation of a committee to consider individual cases like those of the four women. He said he accepts the need to restrict movement between the West Bank and Gaza but believes more exceptions could be made.

The other two justices disagreed on the need for a committee.