Spanish public and private universities have published a joint statement in which they convey their “deep regret” for the situation in the Gaza Strip, their concern about the worsening of the conflict and the “painful” consequences on the Palestinian population and their commitment to review and suspend collaboration agreements with Israeli universities and research centers “that have not expressed a firm commitment to peace and compliance with international humanitarian law.” This statement is in line with those that are being published on many Spanish campuses, such as some of those in Catalonia, the Basque Country, Madrid, Andalusia or Cantabria.
The note is preceded by statements from the Madrid Government urging the rectors of the community to refrain from statements and leave “politics” outside the universities. Likewise, members of the Executive warned of the possible risk of spreading anti-Semitic sentiment. Precisely on Tuesday, President Isabel Díaz Ayuso visited the Israeli embassy.
At the meeting scheduled by the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) held this morning, this statement was not on the agenda, but with the extension of the camping trips throughout the country that follow in the wake of the European and American campuses, the rectors decided to draft a joint declaration. In it they commit to ensuring that “in the exercise of free expression, equally reprehensible conduct of anti-Semitism or Islamophobia, as well as any other hateful behavior, does not occur within the university communities.”
In the same way that they will review agreements with Israeli universities (many of which have already spoken out against the attacks on Gaza), they will intensify cooperation with the Palestinian scientific and higher education system and expand cooperation, volunteering and care programs. to the refugee population.
They demand the “immediate and definitive” cessation of military operations by the Israeli army, as well as “any action of a terrorist nature.” They demand the release of people kidnapped by Hamas. And that the State of Israel respects international law and allows humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory.
For his part, the rector of the University of Barcelona today evaluated the decision of the student assembly to continue camping in the historic building in Plaza Universitat, in whose lobby a polling station will be installed next Sunday.
The rector, Joan Guàrdia, has stated that he will not ask the Electoral Board to evict the students, since they are in the gardens, with a different entrance than the one that the voters will use. The students, for their part, have promised not to interfere with the voting.
