Israeli war planes bombed a major building at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) at the dawn of Saturday 2nd of August, 2014 – the 27th day of the current Israeli aggression on the people of Gaza Strip in Palestine. Bombing the university administration building comes as part of the Israeli systematic policy of targeting hospitals, universities, schools NGO’s and homes.
Located at the heart of the university campus, the building houses the offices of the president of the university, vice-presidents, deans of faculties, heads of departments, academic staff and the assistive teaching center for visually impaired students.
This Israeli aggression damaged most of the building including the offices of academic affairs, electronic learning, human resources, dean of quality and planning and dean of the faculty of arts. It also damaged the main meeting rooms and other administration offices. The heavy bomb used also caused damage to some adjacent buildings including the main conference hall and the high quality guest lounge. Many computer sets, office furniture and equipment were also destroyed.
Established in 1978, IUG is the first and most important institution of higher education in Gaza, serving more than 20,000 students, 63% of whom are women. It comprises 11 faculties – medicine, nursing, health sciences, education, religion, art, commerce, Shariah law, science, engineering, information technology, and awards a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
IUG is an active member of many international and regional academic and research unions and associations. The university received several international awards for its several achievements and excellence in scientific research, administration, academia and environment.
IUG calls upon all international academic and human rights organizations, universities, academics, friends, supporters and partners to
– express their academic outrage over the bombardment of Gaza’s largest and most prominent institution of higher education;
– take effective academic actions to force Israel to stop the systematic violations of the international and human rights agreements and to stop targeting Palestinian civil infrastructure, including universities;
– stand by IUG and collaborate with us to reconstruct all the damages caused this aggression.
Finally, supported by our freedom and peace loving friends and colleagues, we confirm that such aggression can never affect the will and determination of the Palestinian people aspiring to achieve justice, freedom and independence.
IUG highly appreciates all international, regional, academic and human rights institutions and individuals who have already expressed their solidarity and support to the university.
