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HomeAboutOrganisationGlobal crisesUniversity response to recent events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East

University response to recent events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East

This page provides information about the University’s response to ongoing events in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and the Middle East.

The University has a general approach to global crisis and conflicts, which is available here. It includes information relating to welfare, wellbeing, academic and financial support for staff and students, freedom of speech, refugee scholarships and related matters. 

Last updated: 30 September 2024. 

In light of the appalling human consequences of the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023, its hostage-taking and Israel's subsequent military action, we express our profound sympathy for those currently suffering in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. We hope for an immediate ceasefire, the release of the remaining hostages, the delivery of vital aid and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The University’s focus at times of crisis is on supporting staff and student welfare and the pursuit of our academic mission.

Support for the University community  

We recognise that many of our staff and students have family and friends who are directly affected. Many others in our community share the pain of those who are suffering.

Support is available for both staff and students, and information about this support can be found on our global crisis and conflicts page. 

In a vibrant academic institution such as ours, it is inevitable that our staff and students will hold a range of views about the conflict.

Freedom of speech is the lifeblood of our University, and we uphold the right for everyone to openly express their views and opinions with respect and courtesy, within the limits of the law. 

We are also committed to ensuring our University community is one in which the rights and dignity of all our students and staff are respected. Discrimination of any kind has no place, and is not tolerated, at Oxford. 

The University has reiterated its condemnation of antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian discrimination, and hate directed towards any faith, race, nationality or ethnic group. 

In Michaelmas term 2024 we will be engaging with students across the collegiate University on these topics. We will also be establishing a task and finish group on racial and religious inclusion, which among other areas will consider student experiences of racial and religious discrimination, and recommend ways for the University to strengthen its response to such matters. 

The University supports the right to lawful protest, but actions which disrupt aspects of staff or student life for fellow members of the University, in breach of our codes of conduct, are not acceptable.

For more information go to the inclusive student life and guidance on demonstrations or protests pages, which have both been updated ahead of the new academic year.

Pursuit of the University’s mission 

In response to our community’s concerns, the University has taken the following steps to support those impacted by the conflict, in line with our academic mission:

  • Scholarship: We have launched a new graduate scholarship for students displaced by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank to study at Oxford in 2025–26. The Palestine Crisis Scholarship Scheme is the latest scholarship scheme to be introduced to support students from displacement backgrounds from around the world and builds on the University’s long-standing commitment to refugee scholars, which was recognised in 2023 when Oxford was awarded University of Sanctuary status. 
  • Fellowships: To support academics-at-risk, we have renewed our longstanding commitment to CARA (the Council for At-Risk Academics), and increased our CARA subscription to support their operations, including further funding for CARA fellowships for this year. 

In response to staff and student concerns, the University has also accelerated a University-wide review of the current prohibition on direct investments in companies manufacturing arms that are illegal under UK law as well as investment in funds which invest primarily in such companies. 

Learn more  

Oxford provides a range of opportunities to learn more about the current situation in the Middle East, as well as the historical context. Our academics have a wealth of expertise, with regular seminars and public lectures taking place throughout the year. Check local department and colleges listings for details.
 
There are podcasts available on this topic on the University podcasts service, and a number of University clubs and societies also arrange seminars and events.

Staff and student communications

Communications to staff and students about the conflict are listed below.

2024

2023

 

Media enquiries

Members of the media are able to access our experts via our Find an Expert listing.