DNTA is currently fundraising to support student nurses and midwives; many of them are trained at An Najah National University in Nablus. We are therefore concerned to hear that they might be affected by military incursions on their academic campus.
The University issued this statement:
“An-Najah National University strongly denounces the occupation’s incursion onto its campus, the assaults inflicted upon its faculty and staff, and the apprehension of several of its students.
“Early on Monday, January 15, 2024, An-Najah National University denounces the incursion of the occupation forces onto its campus, which resulted in the apprehension and assault of several members of its staff. In addition, several of its students were arrested, and its properties and structures sustained damage. The confrontations between the occupation forces and the university’s faculty, students, and staff constitute a recurring motif of the ruthless occupation’s aggressive behaviour towards our national, educational, health, and religious institutions.
“This egregious incursion violates all international conventions and standards that criminalise the infringement upon the sanctity of universities and educational institutions. It contributes to the atrocities committed by the occupation against educational institutions and processes in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and occupied Jerusalem. An-Najah University, a longstanding stronghold of progress and infrastructure, as well as a symbol of perseverance and collective effort, declares that the Israeli aggression will solely fortify its resolve to uphold its national responsibility of advancing education, addressing obstacles, and continuing the pursuit of knowledge and construction. The Israeli occupation demands the immediate release of its staff and students who were apprehended from within the university grounds, holding it fully accountable for their safety. Furthermore, it urges international and human rights organisations to carry out their obligations in safeguarding the integrity and reputation of educational institutions.
“The university affirms that it will procure legal counsel to advocate for the welfare of its detained students and will do so in accordance with the law. We hold this occupation and its unparalleled acts of aggression against educational, health, and religious establishments completely liable for any harm that may [befall] our detained staff and students who were assailed throughout the university building’s barbaric incursion.”
Similar events are happening in other places in and around Nablus, some with even worse outcomes.