The University of Bologna on the Israeli Military Escalation in Gaza

The University of Bologna expresses its deep indignation over the Israeli military escalation in Gaza and the ongoing conflicts in the region, as well as the catastrophic humanitarian and civil consequences they are causing.

Furthermore, the University:

- firmly condemns all violations of international law and human rights committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories;

- calls for the strengthening of all diplomatic and political efforts aimed at ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip and ensuring the full implementation of all UN resolutions concerning relations between Palestine and Israel, as well as the orders issued by the International Court of Justice on 26 January, 28 March, and 24 May 2024, which call on Israel to “take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of [the Genocide] Convention” and “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”;

- calls for the recognition of the State of Palestine.

The University of Bologna — which has already established a systematic monitoring mechanism for ongoing scientific projects and research programmes with universities, companies, and all public and private Israeli institutions, to exclude any involvement in violations of international law (including in relation to dual-use technologies) —:

- reaffirms its commitment to ensuring, including through biannual reporting to its governing bodies, full compliance with national, European, and international regulations and its own internal rules, including those concerning dual-use technologies and research ethics;

- commits to actively strengthening its role in promoting academic, educational, and humanitarian initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of peace, justice, and shared dignity. This includes supporting academic partnerships with Palestinian institutions and reaffirming the University’s role as a critical and decolonial space, explicitly and actively committed to opposing all forms of oppression, apartheid, and institutionalised violence. The University also pledges to advocate—within the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI), the Italian Ministry of University and Research, and all relevant institutional and international forums—for a shared position among Italian universities in support of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.