We, Al-Quds Open University, strongly denounce the aggression being practiced by the Israeli occupation forces upon the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. QOU condemns the damage inflicted upon its premises as a result of the relentless bombing in Gaza, which has caused extensive harm to its infrastructure. These acts constitute a part of the sinful targeting and aggression in a series of massacres and crimes perpetrated against our people. Through thousands of relentless airstrikes and relentless bombardments, the occupation forces have been targeting innocent civilians, residential neighborhoods, schools, universities, hospitals, journalists, and ambulances, causing immense destruction and claiming the lives of over three thousand Palestinian citizens, with more than nine thousand wounded; most of them are children, women, and elders. This marks an egregious violation of all international norms and laws.

QOU earnestly calls upon the international community, human rights organizations, and entities concerned with human rights to intervene urgently and put an end to these barbaric attacks. Our people, as guaranteed by international statutes, have the inherent right to education and self-defense, and it is imperative to safeguard the students and educational institutions during these times. The occupiers bear a weighty responsibility, both humanely and legally, in accordance with international human rights laws and agreements, amidst the harrowing scenes of prohibited international weapons being used in the war against the Palestinian people. This is nothing less than an attempt to weaken their resilience and thwart their dreams of freedom and independence.

QOU reaffirms its right to protect its academic institution and premises and communicate with all relevant human rights and international organizations on this matter. It calls upon its staff and students to work diligently to expose the crimes of the occupation and in confront the fallacies of the Israeli narrative.

QOU mourns the martyrs of its employees and students who were martyred on the altar of freedom and independence. It is with all pride and honor that we pray for the martyrs of our people. The University family extends its sincere condolences to all its employees and students who are losing a relative, a dear, and a colleague at every moment.

May mercy be upon the martyrs, healing for the wounded, and freedom for the prisoners.