Oxford academics to debate motion for ‘intifada until victory’ in Middle East

A motion to be brought before union members states that only a ‘mass uprising across the Middle East can free the Palestinian people’.

An Israeli bombardment caused damage on al Rashid main Street in Gaza City (AP) (AP)

Oxford academics will debate a motion calling for “intifada until victory” against Israel at a meeting of union members.

A motion shared with Oxford members of the University and College Union (UCU) reportedly states that the branch believes that “only a mass uprising on both sides of the green line and across the Middle East can free the Palestinian people”.

The motion emailed to members, which the Telegraph newspaper has reportedly seen, states that the war is “a direct consequence of decades of violent oppression of the Palestinian people by the Israeli state”.

It goes on to say that “it is the duty of the international movement of workers and youth 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 spokesman for the UCU confirmed that the wording of the motion was accurate and that it would be debated at an extraordinary general meeting on Thursday.

A notice of the meeting on the UCU website warned that “antisemitism, Islamophobia, or other hateful expressions” would not be tolerated in the debate.

The last intifada – an Arabic word meaning shaking off or struggle – between 2000 and 2005 saw more than 4,000 people killed on both sides, including around 3,000 Palestinians.

The events of recent days are part of a continuing cycle of violence that has been the result of decades of brutal occupation

UCU spokesperson

In a statement responding to the latest motion, a spokesman for the UCU said they condemned “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 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 organisations.

“Branches then take motions to the union’s Annual Congress, which makes national policy. The motion in question has not yet even been discussed at branch level.

“Recent events are part of a continuing cycle of violence that has been the result of decades of brutal occupation.

“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.”

A spokesperson for the University of Oxford said: “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.

“This is particularly important when the unfolding situation has the potential to drive division within our community.

“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.”