Ceasefire in Gaza doesn't change activists' demands

Millions of displaced Palestinians are returning to their neighbourhoods, which are mostly destroyed, following the ceasefire that took effect in Gaza on January 19. What does this ceasefire mean for the protest groups Utrecht Student Encampment and UU Staff for Palestine?

Both groups answer firmly and clearly: "The ceasefire doesn't change our demand for an academic boycott." Lecturer Kathrine van den Bogert, from UU Staff for Palestine, explains: "Our demands do not only stem from the recent military violence in Gaza. We are concerned with the decades-long occupation, apartheid and colonisation of several areas in Palestine. Israeli universities play a decisive role in the military violence against Palestinians and the ethnic cleansing of this group."

Not much has changed
A spokesperson for Utrecht Student Encampment also mentions all the years of colonisation and apartheid policies, noting that Palestinians still need international aid and support. "Israel killed a huge number of Palestinians and destroyed Gaza's infrastructure. UU's research partners have enabled these crimes and contributed to the normalisation and legitimisation of violence against Palestinians. The university's ties with institutions that support this situation must be severed so that we can increase pressure on Israel to stop colonial violence."

The students acknowledge that some people think a ceasefire would make their protest seem less necessary. That's why they intend to focus on raising awareness now. "We want to make it clear that not much has changed for Palestinians and that we consider the university administration complicit in the genocide and war crimes facilitated by its research partners."

Keeping the conversation going
The Executive Board says it is critical of its cooperation with Israel. All current partnerships have been evaluated and publicised and the university is cautious about new partnerships. However, the university refuses to sever all ties with Israeli institutions, which opposes activists' demands. In his New Year's address, UU President Anton Pijpers noted that the Middle East conflict has a huge impact on the academic community. "We should have critical conversations about this. We must continue to seek connection and cooperation in our university, no matter how difficult this sometimes be. And we should do it with respect, listening to each other and providing an environment that is safe for everyone."