University of Ghent in Belgium cuts ties with three Israeli institutions

Belgium's University of Ghent (UGent) is ending its partnershipwith three Israeli educational or research institutions, as these affiliations no longer align with UGent's human rights policy, according to its rector.

The pro-Palestinian protesters in Ghent have been protesting against Israel's military offensive in Gaza and have been encamping parts of the university since early this month.

The university's rector, Rik Van de Walle, said in a statement on Friday (May 17), “we are cutting ties with Holon Institute of Technology, MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, and the Volcani Center, which carries out agricultural research.”

"We currently assess these three partners as (very) problematic according to the Ghent University human rights test, in contrast to the positive evaluation we gave these partners at the start of our collaboration", Van de Walle added.

Partnerships with MIGAL Galilee Research Institute and the Volcani Centre were no longer pleasing due to their affiliation with Israeli ministries, an investigation by the University of Ghent found, and collaboration with the Holon Institute "was problematic" because it provided material support to the army for actions in Gaza.

A spokesperson for the university said the move would affect four projects.

However the three Israeli institutions did not immediately comment.

The protesters informed Belgian broadcaster VRT that they welcomed the decision but viewed it as merely a first step. They pledged to continue to occupy parts of the university "until UGent severs all ties with Israeli institutions."

The actions mirror those of students in the United States and elsewhere in Europe, calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire and for schools to cut financial ties with companies they say are profiting from what they regard as the oppression of Palestinians.

Pro-Palestinian protest at University Irvine

Police took back control of a lecture hall from pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a building at the University of California, Irvine on Wednesday (May 15).

Sergeant Karie Davies, spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department informed, “The operation resulted in some people being handcuffed.”

University labeled the protest as "violent" before regaining control of the building in under four hours.

The demonstration is part of a nationwide wave of campus protests against the Gaza conflict. Activists are urging a ceasefire, civilian protection, and university divestment from Israeli interests.

On Wednesday 200 to 300 protesters took over the lecture hall when no classes were in session, Vasich said.

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University Chancellor Howard Gillman informed that the university is in talks with protesting students since the encampment was set up but is unable to reach an agreement to find anon-disruptive alternative site.

Gillman has said the university cannot selectively decide against enforcing rules and that "The University of California has made it clear it will not divest from Israel."

(With inputs from agencies)