The Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) strongly condemns the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

We share the sentiments expressed by other research institutes and universities in Spain and demand the immediate and definitive cessation of Israeli military operations, as well as of Hamas' armed actions, and the release of Israeli civilians kidnapped by Hamas in their violent attack on civilians inside Israel on October 7. We also demand that the State of Israel respects international law, and allows the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza to address the emergency needs of its civilian population, and that the appropriate measures are implemented by international bodies to promptly undertake the reconstruction and recovery of the Palestinian territory. Israel must also guarantee the full protection of the staff of hospitals and humanitarian facilities.

The IBEI commits to ceasing student exchange programs and new research collaboration agreements with Israeli universities and research centers that have not expressed a firm commitment to peace and compliance with international humanitarian law. Additionally, IBEI commits to intensifying cooperation with the Palestinian scientific and higher education system, expanding our programs of cooperation, volunteering, and assistance to refugee populations.

The IBEI reiterates its mission to contribute to more effective and democratic governance of international affairs through the training of new generations of professionals in international relations and political science and underlines our core values of respect, cooperation, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. In this light, we call for intensified dialogue to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict and condemn all expressions of hate and discrimination.

Related activities & events

• Alliances, Conflicts and Geopolitics in the Middle East. Conference with Glen Rangwala (University of Cambridge), Eduard Soler i Lecha (UAB-IBEI) and Lurdes Vidal (Blanquerna-IBEI), in the framework of the cycle of Roundtables: 'Geopolitics of a Liquid Fragmented World' organised with The Social Observatory - "la Caixa" Foundation.
• Genocide in International Politics and War: From Ukraine to Gaza. Summer course offered by Martin Shaw (University of Sussex​ and IBEI), in the framework of the IBEI Graduate Summer School.
• European Politics and International Security. Summer course offered by Ulrich Krotz (Sciences Po Paris and IBEI), in the framework of the IBEI Graduate Summer School.
• The MENA Region and the Global South: Exploring Connections, Alliances and Influences. Summer course offered by Eduard Soler Lecha (UAB-IBEI) in the framework of the Barcelona Summer School of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
• An Islamist "New Wave" After Gaza? Politics, Violence and Faith. Summer course offered by Lurdes Vidal (IBEI & Blanquerna - Universitat Ramon Llull) in the framework of the Barcelona Summer School of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Universities information

• Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona: Communiqué from the UAB Governing Team on the situation in Gaza

• Universitat de Barcelona: The University Senate approves the motion in support of Palestine to be submitted to the University's governing team and the Governing Council

• Universitat Pompeu Fabra: UPF for peace