University releases response to Israel-Gaza attacks

Pro VC Bhaskar Vira said the university is ‘urgently establishing’ whether any staff or students are in the region

Lucas Maddalena with permission for varsity

by Beth Doherty & Eric Williams

This article is 2 years old

Tuesday October 10 2023, 1:21am

The University issued a statement on attacks in Israel and Palestine yesterday (09/10), stating that it is “urgently establishing” if students and staff are in areas affected.

Pro-vice-chancellor for education Bhaskar Vira announced that the University’s “thoughts are with everyone affected by recent events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East”, and laid out the support systems available for those affected.

On Saturday, an unprecedented attack was launched by Hamas, a Palestinian organisation of Islamist militants, which saw fighters break out of Gaza and massacre 260 people at an Israeli music festival. At least 900 people have reportedly been killed in Israel.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has since ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza in retaliation, cutting off food, fuel, electricity and water supplies. Israeli airstrikes have killed almost 700 Palestinians, in a response that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said has “only just begun”.

Pro-VC Vira pointed to existing support options, such as tutors and the university’s student counselling service. The Pro-VC also said that students should contact their director of studies if “events are impacting their work.” Beyond this, Professor Vira suggested NHS mental health services and charity helplines.

The University is reportedly also “urgently establishing” whether any students or staff are in the region.

Its student notice reminded students with research or fieldwork planned to examine Government Travel advice and complete a risk assessment before travelling.

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The Cambridge University Jewish Society (JSoc) said they are “horrified by the news coming from Israel and Gaza.”

“We condemn Hamas terrorism and stand in complete solidarity and support with all who have lost or are fearing for friends and family,” JSoc continued in its statement.

The Cambridge Palestine Solidarity Society (PalSoc) said: “recent escalations did not occur in a vaccum”, and stated the “root cause of recent and tragic civilian deaths” is “the apartheid Israeli regime” and “its sixteen year long siege on the Gaza strip and brutal military occupation”.

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