The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) continues to be deeply concerned by the grave humanitarian crisis faced by the people of Gaza, and stands in solidarity with them and our trade union colleagues.  Recently leaders of eight Global Union Federations (GUFs) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) travelled to Ramallah to convey their solidarity to unions in the West Bank and Gaza.  

IFUT stands in solidarity with colleagues in Palestine and advocates for their rights to life, to homes, to safe institutions, to academic freedom, free expression, and equitable access to education and research. 

We urge all who can influence change to join the calls of human rights and civil society organisations around the world for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza; to unequivocally express solidarity with academics, researchers, and students in Palestine; to condemn all forms of violence, discrimination, and human rights abuses and to call for their immediate cessation.  We call on all involved to support the United Nations plans for peace.  

We also call on governments, educational institutions, and international organisations to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and to use their voices to call for the establishment of safe aid corridors that can save the lives of trapped and starving Palestinians. 

We take this opportunity to also call on all institutions of higher education in Ireland to sever any existing institutional partnerships or affiliations with Israeli institutions in light of deliberate and systematic destruction of higher education in Gaza, and following the historic and significant judgment of the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling over potential acts of genocide in Israel's military offensive on Gaza. 

IFUT, in solidarity with our trade union colleagues, supports and endorses the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement for freedom, justice and equality.  

This statement is based upon motions passed at our recent Annual Delegate Conference, IFUT stands with Palestinians, Israelis and people the world over calling for peace, equality and justice. 

​​​​​​​June 2024