In Israel and the Occupied Territories, the US State Department has withdrawn all Fulbright scholarships to Palestinian students in Gaza, because the Israeli blockade prevents them from leaving. The seven students would have used the money to pursue degrees at US schools this fall. But US officials say the grants will be re-directed so as to not go to waste if the students can’t leave Gaza. An Israeli parliamentary committee has asked the government to reconsider its travel ban on Palestinian students. But even if the policy is changed, the students won’t be able to apply for Fulbrights until next year.