ICOS Statement on Israel - Palestine

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) is calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and condemns all acts of violence and terror. The killing of innocent civilians must stop and all hostages must be released.

The killing of students and academics and the destruction of universities and places of education in Gaza is of great concern to us. ICOS is calling on every university and third-level institution in Ireland to join calls for a ceasefire. Universities and colleges in Ireland, and the student movement in Ireland, have always been leaders in building links between countries and upholding the principles of human rights and freedom.

ICOS supports the view of the ICJ hearing which states that ‘Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip' and that ‘Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip’. 

ICOS stands against all forms of discrimination and apartheid, including anti-semitism and Islamaphobia and we represent and welcome all students studying in Ireland and all those who seek our support. All of us should also appreciate that the current actions of both Hamas and the State of Israel do not reflect the beliefs and values of all Palestinian and Israeli people.