Different people from various countries and nationalities came and visit the Islamic University of Gaza just to witness what was happening to an academic institution that is a member of four associations: International Association of Universities, Community of Mediterranean Universities, Association of Arab Universities and Association of Islamic Universities.
Delegations from Turkey, Morocco, Malaysia, Sudan, Greek, Qatar, Indonesia, Jordan, Britain and other countries visited the Islamic University of Gaza to witness the destruction of the biggest academic institution in the Gaza Strip.
Academics, human rights institutions, parliamentary people, Doctors, journalists and others are seeing the IUG damage. They expressed their sadness and supported IUG campaign of reconstruction.
On Sunday December 28th, 2008, the Israeli F16 fighters bombed IUG during the recent horrific attack on the people of Gaza who have been under suffocating siege for about 2 years.
Two 5-story buildings were completely destroyed by Israeli warplanes: the Science Lab Building and the Engineering Lab Building. The two major buildings had more than 50 labs that contained invaluable scientific and medical equipment and devices, and many academic materials which were destroyed. The buildings targeted served as research and development centers for students, faculty and community.
The six-rocket bombardment of both buildings also caused wide damage to all university buildings, including the central library close to the labs buildings.
It is worth mentioning that since its establishment in 1978, IUG has faced many challenges and restrictions imposed by the Israeli military authorities. Yet, IUG managed to provide quality academic education and serve the local community. With the help and support of all good people in the world, the university campus was converted from simple tents and barracks of asbestos to a modern campus with recent facilities that match the best in the world.
