Belgium's Ghent University suspends academic ties with Israel

Ghent University in Belgium announced Friday the suspension of all academic cooperation agreements with Israel, citing serious human rights violations by the Israeli government.

In a statement, Ghent University's Rector Rik Van de Walle said the decision was prompted by "the extent, duration, and nature of the human rights violations carried out by the Israeli government."

The statement emphasized that the university administration has decided to halt all ongoing academic cooperation with Israeli universities and research institutions.

While legally unable to terminate existing agreements, the university plans to unilaterally withdraw from relevant projects.

"Ghent University does not want to be involved in very serious human rights and international law violations occurring in Gaza," Van de Walle told Belgium's official news agency Belga.

This move by Ghent University follows similar actions by Brussels Free University and the University of Antwerp, which announced the suspension of their relations with Israel on May 28 and May 30, respectively.

The decision comes amid ongoing student protests, which began in early May, at universities across Belgium, including those in Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven and Liege.