by Oxford academics will debate a resolution calling for an “intifada until victory” against Israel at a meeting of union members.
A proposal shared with Oxford members of the University and College Union (UCU) says the department believes “only a massive uprising on both sides of the Green Line and across the Middle East can liberate the Palestinian people”.
The emailed proposal to members, which has reportedly been seen by the Telegraph newspaper, says the war is “a direct consequence of decades of violent oppression of the Palestinian people by the Israeli state”.
He goes on to say that “it is the duty of the international workers and youth movement to support this struggle” and calls for “a Socialist Federation of the Middle East” and “intifada until victory”.
When contacted by the PA news agency, a UCU spokesman confirmed that the wording of the proposal was accurate and that it would be discussed at an extraordinary general meeting on Thursday.
A notice of the meeting on the UCU website warned that “anti-Semitism, Islamophobia or other expressions of hatred” would not be tolerated in the debate.
The latest intifada – an Arabic word meaning to shake off or fight – between 2000 and 2005 killed more than 4,000 people on both sides, including around 3,000 Palestinians.
The events of recent days are part of an ongoing cycle of violence resulting from decades of violent occupation
UCU representative
In a statement responding to the latest proposal, a UCU spokesman said they condemn “in the strongest possible terms, the targeting of civilian life by both Hamas and the Israeli military”.
He said: “All UCU members have the right to submit motions to their branches, where they are then subjected to a robust process of debate, amendment and voting, as is standard in trade unions and other democratic organisations.
“Branches then submit proposals to the Union's Annual Conference, which sets national policy. This proposal has not yet been discussed at industry level.
“The recent events are part of an ongoing cycle of violence that was the result of decades of violent occupation.
“Achieving lasting peace in the region must begin with the return of prisoners, the end of the occupation and the recognition of the rights of all people.”
A University of Oxford spokesman said: “The University of Oxford and its colleges are focused on supporting all its students and staff through the impact of the devastating and horrific attack by Hamas and the worsening humanitarian crisis for Palestinian civilians and hostages in Gaza. .
“This is especially important when the unfolding situation has the potential to cause division in our community.
“While the university supports peaceful protest within the law, it does not tolerate anti-Semitism, Islamophobia or hatred of any faith and those of no faith.”
