In her speech at the University of Oxford a week earlier, Malala Yousafzai had announced a new scholarship initiative for Palestinian students at wrong time when Palestinian kids were being massacred by Israeli forces in Gaza.

As per a press statement, the announcement was made during her keynote address at the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) fundraiser dinner, which takes place as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate due to sustained bombings by Israel.

The graduate scholarship for Palestinian students aims to break down financial barriers that hinder Palestinian students from accessing educational opportunities Oxford offers.

Addressing the participants, Malala highlighted the devastating impact of the recent conflict in Gaza on education. She noted that more than 80 per cent of Gaza’s schools and all universities have been damaged or destroyed.

“This scholarship is a vital signal of solidarity with Palestinian young people,” she said. “It will require a lasting ceasefire and years of investment in learning opportunities to rebuild Gaza’s education system.

“In the interim, we must support as many students as possible by sharing their stories, echoing their calls to action, and funding them directly.”

However, Mathira raised objection to Malala’s action, particularly during a time when the people in Palestine were needed for humanitarian efforts more than the scholarships.