Oxford Philippines Society Statement on Palestinian Liberation
25 May 2024
We, the members of the Oxford Philippines Society 2023-2024, stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. We call for an immediate ceasefire and the end of Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza and occupation of Palestinian territories.
Over the past seven months, Israel's continuous assault on the people of Gaza has killed over 35,000 people, including more than 15,000 children, and displaced over 2.3 million more. Israeli's military actions have killed at least 105 journalists, 180 humanitarian aid workers, and 493 health workers. Israel's targeted attacks on Gaza's health and educational infrastructure has destroyed 24 hospitals and all 12 of Gaza's higher education institutions.
History tells us that this grave violence and oppression started long before October 7th, beginning with the violent displacement of Palestinians from their homes in 1948. Justice has been 76 years overdue.
We join the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Oxford in calling for the University to disclose its assets; divest from any holdings and cease doing business with companies that are directly or indirectly involved in supplying Israel with munitions and military technology; and revise its ethical investment policy to explicitly restrict all investment, direct or indirect, in arms, weapons, and other instruments of war.
We call on the University of Oxford to commit financial and material resources to support Palestinian academics and authorities in rebuilding Gaza's educational system.
We strongly denounce the assault and arrest of peaceful student demonstrators on May 23 rd and call for their immediate release. We call on the University of Oxford to engage in genuine dialogue, end its complicity in this genocide, and commit to correcting its long history of contributions to injustice, imperialism, and colonialism.
As a people who were colonised for over 380 years - we Filipinos are no strangers to the struggle for liberation and independence. Today, we Filipinos stand in faith with Palestinians as they strive for theirs.
Pagpupugay sa lahat ng mga Palestino! Pilipino, kaisa ng Palestino!The Oxford Philippines Society