Board reaction to the terror attack in Israel

The horrific attacks on civilians in Israel were deplorable and we condemn Hamas’ terrorist attack in strongest terms. Hamas must immediately release the Israeli hostages held in the Gaza strip, ensure their safety and cease hostilities for the sake of the Israeli and Palestinian people.

We are also deeply worried about the scale of the military retaliation of Israel in the Gaza strip and the blockade of the territory with no access to electricity, food or water. The Gazan population must not pay the price for the violence unleashed by Hamas.

Our condemnation against all forms of violence, aggression and reprisals against the civilian population, both Israeli and Palestinian, is absolute.

We call on European universities to protect their Jewish students, which are often the target of antisemitic offences in times of war in the Middle-East.

We also call for facilitating the admission of Palestinian students, who cannot leave Gaza, into European universities.

We urge the European Union to clearly show its commitment to the safe liberation of hostages, de-escalation and immediate ceasefire. We also call on the EU to reinforce European solidarity to Israeli and Palestinian victims and continue humanitarian aid.

As an organisation strongly rooted in the values of human rights, intercultural understanding, peace and solidarity we are calling for an urgent de-escalation, and starting of peacebuilding and reconciliation processes.

In line with the UN Security Council resolutions (Resolution 1860 (2009)) we demand a peaceful dialogue to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace with secure and recognised borders.