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Helsinki uni suspends exchanges with Israeli institutions

Israel's operation in Gaza has prompted widespread protests on university campuses worldwide.

University of Helsinki students protesting for their institution to boycott Israel in late 2023.
Students at the University of Helsinki protesting on 29 November 2023. Image: Ari Tuhkanen / Yle
Yle News

The University of Helsinki has announced a suspension of all student exchange programmes with Israeli institutions.

The university said it made the decision as a response to the high civilian death toll during Israel's operation in Gaza, and the "catastrophic deterioration" in the humanitarian situation in the territory.

The university noted in a statement that it was committed to helping rebuild Gaza's higher education and research system, once that is possible.

Research cooperation with Israeli universities is not being suspended, however, despite protesters' demands.

"The freedom of research is so crucial to university operations that it will not be limited on a university-wide scale in the current circumstances," said the university in the statement.

This spring there has been a protest at the university in support of Palestine and demanding the university boycott Israeli counterparts.