UCU to discuss proposal for Middle East "intifada until victory"
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According to a proposal that will be presented to union members, the Palestinian people can only be freed by a "mass uprising across the Middle East."
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A Palestinian man talks on the phone about the buildings destroyed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Rafah on October 22, 2023. (AP)
At a union members' gathering, Oxford academics will discuss a proposal advocating for an "intifada until victory" against "Israel".
The University and College Union (UCU) branch in Oxford allegedly feels that "only a mass uprising on both sides of the green line and across the Middle East can free the Palestinian people," according to a motion shared with Oxford members.
The war is "a direct consequence of decades of violent oppression of the Palestinian people by the Israeli state," according to the motion sent to members and apparently viewed by the Telegraph.
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It went on to say that "it is the duty of the international movement of workers and youth to support this struggle" and demands "a Socialist Federation of the Middle East" and "intifada until victory".
A UCU official confirmed to the PA news agency that the motion's wording was correct and that it would be discussed at Thursday's extraordinary general meeting. "Antisemitism, Islamophobia, or other hateful expressions" will not be allowed in the debate, according to a notice posted on the UCU website ahead of the event.
During the last intifada, more than 4,000 people were killed on both sides, with over 3,000 of them being Palestinians, between 2,000 and 2,005.
Read: US diplomacy falters in MENA region amid war on Gaza: Politico
"The events of recent days are part of a continuing cycle of violence that has been the result of decades of brutal occupation," a UCU spokesperson said, denouncing "in the strongest possible terms, the targeting of civilian life by both Hamas and the Israeli military".
"All UCU members have the right to bring 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 organizations," he added, stressing that "Achieving a lasting peace in the region must start with the return of captives, an end to the occupation and a recognition of the rights of all people."
"Oxford University and its colleges are focused on supporting all its students and staff through the impacts of the devastating and appalling Hamas attack and the deteriorating humanitarian crisis for the Palestinian civilians, and hostages in Gaza," a spokesperson for the University of Oxford said, adding "This is particularly important when the unfolding situation has the potential to drive division within our community," and "Whilst the university supports peaceful protest within the law, it does not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia or hate towards any faith, and to those with none."
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