A Palestinian student who recently arrived in Ireland has spoken of her relief at being evacuated from Gaza and thanked the Irish authorities for helping her to continue her studies in Ireland.
She told RTÉ News that she felt "alive again" after being evacuated from Gaza.
Sarah (not her real name) has now resumed her studies at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.
Watch: Palestinian woman evacuated from Gaza begins studying in Limerick
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She was among 52 Palestinian students who were evacuated from Gaza in a coordinated effort by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Education and a number of higher education institutions.
Sarah who arrived in Ireland last month, has spoken about her life in the enclave during the ongoing war and her fears for her family as Israel intensifies its ground offensive on Gaza city.
"We lived in the north but the leaflets were dropped from the sky and we were asked to move south.
"We did but when we were allowed to return our home was damaged and our neighbours homes were all destroyed," she said.
She said the family now live in a tent.
'No food, no water... people are starving'
"There is no food in the markets and there is no water. People are starving to death," she added.
"Life is so hard there, I felt I wasn't living or a human at all. But the moment I got out I felt my soul is back, I’m actually living again," she said.
She is in daily contact with her family and said she fears for their safety as the war rages on.
"I pray to God for them every day that they will be safe, but of course I am worried that things could get worse," she said.
She thanked the Irish authorities who helped her leave Gaza, allowing her to continue her studies in Ireland.
"Education was the key that got me out of death in Gaza. Now I want to make the most of this chance and contribute to this community.
"I will work hard to make all of you proud to have given me this chance" she said.
On returning to Gaza in the future she said "What I saw when I was leaving Gaza, there are no houses, there are no universities or hospitals. Everything is destroyed.
"If you go back there is no life, only misery," she said.
"I want to finish my studies and rebuild my life and to achieve my dreams that were destroyed."
Dr Holly Cowman, Director of International Engagement at MIC, said: "We are just so relieved to have our students with us safely and delighted to welcome them into the College community.
"It has been a privilege to work with colleagues across the higher education sector, led by Trinity College Dublin, with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and all who made this possible," she said.
"We are glad to have been able to offer these inspiring students’ safety, dignity, and the chance to continue their education at MIC."
