2 days ago
Prestigious Irish university cuts ties with 'Israel' over Gaza war
Ireland's prestigious Trinity College Dublin announced that it will sever all institutional ties with 'Israel' in protest against what it described as 'ongoing violations of international and humanitarian law' during the war on Gaza.
The move, announced Wednesday, comes a day after a Swiss university said it was ending partnerships with major 'Israeli' institutions over the same issue.
Trinity's board informed students of the decision via email, following recommendations from a task force established in response to a five-day student-led protest last year on campus condemning the war on Gaza.
In the letter, Board Chair Paul Farrell said Trinity will cut 'institutional relationships with the State of Israel, Israeli universities, and companies headquartered in Israel.'
He added that the suspension will remain in place 'for as long as violations of international and humanitarian law continue.'
Dublin had earlier joined South Africa's case against 'Israel' at the International Court of Justice, which accuses 'Israel' of committing genocide in Gaza; allegations which the latter denies.
In May, Ireland officially recognized a 'sovereign and independent' Palestinian state.
Trinity's decision came just one day after the University of Geneva announced it was ending its partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 'Israel's' most prominent academic institution, amid ongoing campus protests over the Gaza war.
In a statement published Tuesday, the University of Geneva said it was discontinuing 'strategic partnerships that do not reflect, in their geography or content, the institution's strategic priorities.'
University leadership also voiced concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urged the 'Israeli' government 'in particular… to respect human rights and international humanitarian law.'
University President Audrey Leuba told Swiss public broadcaster RTS on Tuesday evening that the decision was not political, noting the partnership had been 'inactive for years.'
However, she said, 'given the current situation, the university chose to review its strategic partnerships.'
