This question is certainly justified given the ceasefire and the release of hostages and prisoners. Over the past year and a half, there has been extensive consultation within the UvA and with our community. Now that the (scientific) consensus is growing worldwide that genocide is taking place in Gaza and that Israel is not respecting the fundamental principles of the rule of law, we have asked ourselves to what extent we can collaborate with Israeli institutions at the institutional level – even during this ceasefire. Because we needed to make a decision about entering into new Horizon collaborations, we reassessed our considerations and came to this decision.

In the coming period, we will investigate whether there is (legal) scope to terminate ongoing EU projects with Israeli partners. It would not be possible to simply announce we are terminating them, because we have signed binding agreements and want to be a reliable partner. Terminating them prematurely could also be detrimental to researchers, who often have no influence on the political context. In any case, we will not be participating in new projects with Israeli partners at this time. We are concerned that EU funds are directly or indirectly contributing to the violence, so we will not be entering into any new commitments.

Every situation has its own context. This case is exceptional: independent international bodies have determined that genocide is taking place. Furthermore, there is broad consensus within our community and beyond that inaction is untenable. These circumstances have prompted us to make this decision.

We understand that this decision could be painful, especially for Jewish and Israeli students and staff. This decision is emphatically not aimed at them. We take concerns about safety very seriously. We are actively engaging with the communities involved and providing appropriate support through confidential counsellors, guidance, and additional measures where necessary. This decision explicitly concerns institutional partnerships, not individuals. We do not hold anyone personally responsible for Israeli government policy. Our university must remain a safe place for everyone. Therefore, we emphasise that antisemitism and other forms of discrimination will not be tolerated.

Our decision was made based on serious and documented facts, including the UN's findings. The peace agreement does not automatically undo these facts. We will continue to monitor the situation and assess our policy against international law and the UvA's values. Any reconsideration will be undertaken carefully and transparently.

Yes. We believe it is important to maintain contact with individual students and researchers in Israel. They often represent a critical voice against the actions of the Israeli government, and we do not wish to isolate them from the rest of the world. Academic freedom is particularly important at the individual level. Individual collaborations — such as co-authoring a paper, giving presentations at a conference, guest lectures, or internships — may therefore continue. If you are uncertain about a potential collaboration, discuss it with your lecturer, supervisor, research director, graduate school or college director, or your faculty contact person.