- The letter demanded suspension of partnerships until Palestinian rights, including self-determination and refugee return, are acknowledged.
- It highlights devastating impact of Israeli war on Gaza, with over 3,700 children killed and dire humanitarian conditions.
Hundreds of academics have signed a letter calling on all Irish universities to cut ties with Israeli institutions amid a “collective punishment” of Palestinian civilians.
The letter, drafted by Academics for Palestine, has gathered over 600 signatures from teaching staff across the country, including lecturers, PhD scholars, and researchers, the Irish Times reported.
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“We call on all universities in Ireland to immediately sever any existing institutional partnerships or affiliations with Israeli institutions,” the letter reads.
“Those ties should be suspended until the occupation of Palestinian territory is ended, the Palestinian rights to equality and self-determination are vindicated, and the right of Palestinian refugees to return is facilitated.”
Academics added, “The scale and severity of Israel’s current war on the Gaza Strip has exceeded all previous levels of violence in the prolonged and brutal Israeli occupation of Palestine.”
The letter stressed that more than 3,700 children have been killed in Israeli bombardments, a number exceeding “the annual number of children killed in the rest of the world’s armed conflicts combined.”
It added: “Many more Palestinians are dying from the lack of fuel, water, electricity and medical supplies due to the deliberate blockade. Gaza’s hospitals are barely able to function – no power for ventilators, using vinegar as antiseptic, performing surgeries without anaesthetic – and continue to be hit by Israeli airstrikes.
“The situation is beyond inhumane.”
At least 9,922 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The number includes at least 4,008 children who have been killed in the ongoing war in Gaza.
To view the signatories click here.