Middle East: the Academic Senate shares CRUI's position and condemns violence in international disputes, calling for an international political initiative for a swift and[...]

Middle East: the Academic Senate shares CRUI's position and condemns violence in international disputes, calling for an international political initiative for a swift and lasting solution, in accordance with international law

At its meeting on Nov. 14, 2023, the Academic Senate of the Sant'Anna School, after observing a minute's silence for the victims of all conflicts, focused its attention once again on the military escalation in Gaza, also in relation to the position of the CRUI (Conference of Rectors of Italian Universities) assembly last Oct. 19. At the conclusion of the assembly, the CRUI addressed "a warm message of reassurance and closeness" to students from war zones in Italian universities, as well as "lively and trembling solidarity" to students, faculty and technical and administrative staff in crisis areas. Universities, the CRUI stressed, are by their very nature, places of encounter and dialogue between cultures as well as places for the development of critical thinking, tools to look to for any peace building, "in the Middle Eastern theater and in all the places in the world, unfortunately numerous, where the drama of war is experienced."

The Academic Senate expressed full support for CRUI's position, reiterating that the Sant'Anna School stands by all civilian victims of the conflict, both Israeli and Palestinian, in Gaza, in Cisgiordania the hostages and their families, as well as the aid workers and aid workers working in Gaza who have tragically lost their lives as a result of the conflict.

In particular, mindful that civilians must always be protected in the conduct of hostilities, in line with the provisions of international law, and concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the high number of civilian casualties brought about by the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, as well as the deteriorating security situation throughout the region, Sant'Anna School also feels the duty to join the call for a lasting humanitarian ceasefire.

In continuity with the intent, expressed in its previous statement, to inform and sensitize the academic community on the causes of violence in the region and possible solutions, the Academic Senate is also committed to fostering moments of confrontation that allow for greater awareness of the complexity of the conflict and strengthen adherence to the values of peace, self-determination of peoples, and respect for human rights.

Finally, the Sant'Anna School reiterates its condemnation of violence as a means of resolving international disputes and calls for an international political initiative that will lead to a swift and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli situation that can ensure peace and justice in accordance with international law.

Cover photo: image taken from the CRUI website.