From the Governing Board of the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE), we want to make public our deep regret for the very serious events that are currently taking place in Gaza.
Spanish universities have already expressed and reaffirmed on several occasions their permanent commitment to peace, coexistence and justice. In addition to defending international humanitarian law. However, we are once again deeply moved by the worsening of the conflict and the painful consequences suffered by the Palestinian population.
We share the feelings and regret of our campuses for the tragic situation and we are committed to demanding that measures be adopted to stop the escalation of violence that is occurring.
Consequently, we demand:
- The immediate and definitive cessation of military operations of the Israeli army and any action of a terrorist nature, including the request for freedom for people kidnapped by Hamas.
- The State of Israel must respect international law and allow the entry into Gaza of all humanitarian aid that can be provided to cover the emergency of its civilian population and that the corresponding measures be articulated by international organizations for the reconstruction and recovery of Palestinian territory.
We are committed to:
- Review suspending collaboration agreements with Israeli universities and research centers that have not expressed a firm commitment to peace and compliance with international humanitarian law.
- Intensify cooperation with the Palestinian scientific and higher education system and expand our cooperation, volunteering and care programs for the refugee population.
- In the exercise of free expression we cannot allow reprehensible conduct, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia, as well as any other hateful behavior within university communities.
