News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) Seven Gaza students eligible for Fulbright scholarships in the United States have been denied exit visas by Israel, but aides in the office of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said they were not aware of the ban and that efforts would be made to allow them to travel. The American State Department withdrew the grants after the visas were denied.

Labor Knesset Member Rabbi Michael Melchior, chairman of the Knesset Education Committee, said that "this policy is not in keeping with international standards or with the moral standards of Jews." The office of the Prime Minister said it was surprised the visas were denied and that that they would be facilitated if a request is made.