University of Padova: Senate approves motion with the commitment to not stipulate new agreements with Israeli universities
The Academic Senate of the University of Padova has approved a motion against the ongoing human rights violations in the Gaza Strip by Israel. This action follows a previous motion from May 14, 2024, in which the university had already condemned the use of military force and called for peaceful solutions in compliance with international law.
In the new motion, approved during the session that took place on July 1st, 2025, the University of Padua strongly denounces the “systematic violations of the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people” and “the escalation of the military action” by the state of Israel.
Here is the full text of the approved motion:
“The University of Padua, in light of the increasing systemic violations of the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people and the escalation of the Israeli military action in Gaza, embraces the words of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, expressing the hope to overcome the "logic of conflict and embrace a perspective of peace, reconstruction, and well-being, with full respect for human rights.
The University also strongly condemns all repeated violations of international law and human rights committed by the State of Israel, as documented by the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and the European Union. It firmly calls for humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip in order to "bring an end as soon as possible to the unacceptable suffering of the civilian population.
The University hopes for a strengthening of diplomatic and political initiatives aimed at ending the violations of international law, which include indiscriminate bombings and the blockade of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. It appeals to political and governmental authorities to ensure the full implementation of all UN resolutions concerning the relationship between Palestine and Israel: the application of international law—not the use of force—must once again become the means of resolving disputes.
Drawing on its long history, the University of Padua commits to reinforcing its efforts in promoting academic, educational, and humanitarian initiatives oriented toward building a culture of peace, justice, and dignity. It reaffirms the role of the university as a space for open, free, and respectful dialogue across differences, firmly opposing all forms of oppression, apartheid, and institutionalized violence.
From this perspective, the University confirms its commitment to promoting—within CRUI (Conference of Italian University Rectors), the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), and in all relevant national and international institutional settings—a shared position among Italian universities in support of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the recognition of the State of Palestine.
Finally, the University of Padua reiterates that its existing institutional agreements with Israeli universities and academic projects involving researchers are exclusively for educational and research purposes, in accordance with the University Statute and Article 15 of its Code of Research Integrity.
The University commits to not undertaking new institutional agreements nor renewing existing ones with Israeli institutions and entities that contribute to the continuation of severe violations of international law and the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory”.