The University of Amsterdam now refers to “genocide”, but is struggling with next steps
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) has called the situation in Gaza “genocide”. The university made this statement after talks with pro-Palestinian demonstrators who have been occupying a field on campus since Monday. The UvA board and deans are not yet in agreement on the next steps to be taken.
Following negotiations on Tuesday morning between occupiers of a field on the Roeterseiland campus and the Executive Board (CvB) and several deans of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the UvA has officially referred to the situation as genocide for the first time. 'Everyone agrees that what is happening in Gaza is horrific and completely out of control. There is now sufficient evidence to speak of genocide,“ a spokesperson told Folia.
Earlier, following in the footsteps of the NIOD research institute, rector Peter-Paul Verbeek also spoke of “genocidal violence” by Israel in Gaza. That statement was already a step towards the term “genocide” as now used by the UvA.
The negotiations did not result in any concrete decisions on Tuesday afternoon, but it did become clear that the Executive Board and deans of various faculties do not entirely agree. “The UvA board and the deans were not all on the same page, and that offers perspective,” said one of the protesters present on the grounds.
The UvA confirms that the various UvA administrators have different opinions. “That’s not surprising. There is a group at the university that believes all ties with Israel should be severed,” said the spokesperson. “Another group argues that this would also punish people who are critical of Netanyahu. You should increase political pressure, and you do that by continuing to engage in dialogue with the people there.” Rector Verbeek has already indicated that he personally struggles with the restraint he feels the board must exercise.
Peaceful occupation of Roeterseiland
Since Monday morning, protesters have been occupying a small field on the Roeterseiland campus with around twenty tents. They are demanding that the University of Amsterdam (UvA) sever all ties with Israeli institutions. The UvA has not yet reported the tent camp to the police, as long as the occupation remains peaceful. A report must be filed before the police can clear the site.
“The Public Prosecution Service has stated that this area on Roeterseiland is publicly accessible, so there can be no trespassing. It is therefore the triangle (formed by the mayor, public prosecutor and police) that determines whether intervention based on public order would be appropriate.” There are other grounds on which the UvA could file a report, but these are not currently relevant according to the UvA. This means that the protesters will probably be able to sleep on the site tonight. Tomorrow, talks between the occupiers and the UvA will continue.
