Northern Ireland

Queen’s University will divest from companies linked to UN-condemned activities in Gaza and the West Bank

University management has held meetings over several weeks while pro-Palestinian supporters occupied entrance to main building earlier this week

Protesters at Queen’s University in Belfast on Tuesday in support of Palestine. PIC COLM LENAGHAN
Pro-Palestinian protesters at Queen’s University in Belfast on Tuesday PIC COLM LENAGHAN
By John Breslin

Queen’s University will divest any investments in companies a UN body says are linked to actions in Gaza and involved in business activities linked to settlements in the West Bank.

Vice Chancellor Ian Greer has also repeated a call for an immediate ceasefire in the war In Gaza.

Vice-chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast Professor Sir Ian Greer welcomed the initiative
Vice-chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast Professor Sir Ian Greer

The decision to divest follows a series of meetings over several weeks and the high profile occupation this week of the landmark Lanyon Building by pro-Palestinian protestors.

In a statement, it said: “The university has met with various stakeholders to listen to the views of the communities and agree a way forward, which includes an enhanced student role in the university’s overall decision-making structures and governance.

“The university will divest investments in companies that are listed by the UN Human Rights Council as carrying out listed activities in relation to Palestine.”

Pro-Palestinian students, staff and other supporters occupied the entrance to university’s main main building on Tuesday in the first protest of this type at the Belfast institution.

Protesters at Queen’s University in Belfast on Tuesday in support of Palestine. PIC COLM LENAGHAN
Protesters at Queen’s University in Belfast on Tuesday in support of Palestine. PIC COLM LENAGHAN

Protestors called on the university to make a statement condemning the continuing killing of Palestinians by Israeli forces, demand an immediate ceasefire, offer sanctuary to Palestinian academics and students, sever links with Israeli institutions and divest holdings in arms companies.

Prof Greer said: “Once again, I call upon national political leaders to work with the negotiation teams to reach an agreement that will allow an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and the urgent allocation of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

“I would also express the hope of many that current talks could start a peace process that would lead to a just and lasting settlement and peace for both the people of Palestine and Israel.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on buildings near the separating wall between Egypt and Rafah, southern Gaza Strip (Ramez Habboub/AP)
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on buildings near the separating wall between Egypt and Rafah, southern Gaza Strip (Ramez Habboub/AP) (Ramez Habboub/AP)

“We condemn the actions of Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the significant loss of life in Gaza over the past seven months, the Israeli targeting of Palestinian hospitals, and educational institutions, in particular universities.”

The university added it has recently announced support for both academics at risk and Palestinian students through fellowship and scholarship programmes.