University in Belgium Cut Ties with Israeli Institutions Over War in Gaza

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Free University of Brussels in Belgium has announced its withdrawal from a scientific project on artificial intelligence that involved two Israeli institutions, the Palestinian Information Centre has confirmed. The Belgian university has apparently decided to withdraw in light of Israel’s atrocities against the Palestinians in Gaza.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the university explained that the decision to withdraw from the scientific project was made after an evaluation conducted by the Ethics Committee. The Free University of Brussels then said the decision was taken following the recent developments in Gaza. The Ethics Committee also decided to conduct a comprehensive review of all research projects involving Israeli partners.

The university does not have any bilateral cooperation with Israel. Instead, it is determined to continue its partnerships with Palestinian institutions, the university said in its statement. Students from the university have taken part in pro-Palestine campus protests that began in the US and spread to Europe, condemning Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.

Previously in February 2024, four universities in Norway cut ties with Israeli universities. Those include Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), the University of Bergen, the University of Southeastern Norway, and the Bergen School of Architecture. One of the universities taking action, OsloMet, has declared the end of its relationship with the University of Haifa and committed to no new collaborations with Israeli universities involved in the war.

They also vowed to stop procurement contracts with vendors affiliated with the Israeli military or illegal settlements. The University of Southeastern Norway followed suit, cutting ties with the University of Haifa and Hadassah Academic College.

MIDDLE EAST MONITOR | AL MAYADEEN

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