Vol. 25 #05 26 Feb. 2024
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Winner: Best Newspaper at the National Student Media Awards 2019
Student Independent News Nuachtán saor in aisce · Vol. 25 Issue 05 · 26 Feb. 2024
Photo by Yue Qiu
Photo by Yue Qiu
University of Galway releases statement on Israeli-Palestinian conflict By Fiona Zokou On February 6, the University of Galway released a statement on the current situation in Israel and Palestine given the high casualties of Palestinian civilians and the growing calls for a ceasefire. Opening with an ode to Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week, Mandela was quoted saying “the world is now in greater need than ever for men and women of peace to stand up and let their voices be heard and their commitment felt.” This comes after the release of a statement October 18, nearly five months prior, when the war first began after the attack on October 7.
The university has reiterated that their stance for peace in the region has not changed and that the University of Galway condemns “all acts of terror and violence and that we join in the calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire.” The Irish Centre for Human Rights, one of the leading organisations for the study of human rights was acknowledged as well, requesting people should seek to amplify the work the centre does in relation to upholding the bindings of international law. Further, the university supports the ruling of the ICJ hearing in which, “Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and
public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip.” This conflict is not just personal to the students but academic professionals as well. This comes after the destruction of universities and academic facilities within Gaza and deaths of scholars and students by Israel. An excerpt here says “as a university, as a community of scholars and students, the destruction of universities in Gaza and the consequent killing of so many students and academics by Israeli forces is particularly grievous to us.” “As a university community, we have a particular responsibility to oppose the