Statement on the unfolding Israel-Gaza conflict

Staff members, students, and our wider community of friends of the University of Bradford are in deep shock and pain at the sudden escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza. We know that this is a complex and protracted conflict but at this moment our thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones.

The quest for long-lasting peace remains. Violence can never be a solution or a tool to resolve political differences. Attacks on civilians cannot be justified. Permanent and lasting peace in the Middle East is only possible by a clean break from the zero-sum game of using violence as a means for resolution and instead to focus on the future not the past and on hope not hatred. 

Through our academic researchers and wider network of alumni and supporters we are keen to play our part in promoting deeper understanding of conflict resolution and transformation approaches and to build bottom-up peace processes.

Our department of Peace Studies and International Development has over many years developed a large alumni network with peacemakers from across all the communities of Israel and Palestine, many of them at the forefront of innovative thinking and practice about peacebuilding. We will continue to support them in their work at this most challenging and perilous time. We will also continue to support the international humanitarian community in efforts to stop attacks on civilians and to uphold international humanitarian law which prohibits such attacks.

The University's Counselling and Mental Health Services and Interfaith Chaplaincy Teams are available to support any student or member of staff who has been affected by the conflict. 

Support available

We would like to remind all staff and students who may be affected by the ongoing situation in Israel/Palestine that help and support is available for those who need it.

Students can contact the Student Life team via email: supportandguidance@bradford.ac.uk for general advice and guidance on available support.

Both staff and students can contact our Chaplaincy service, via email: chaplaincy@bradford.ac.uk.

Our Counselling service for students and staff can be reached via this link.

For Students we also operate a 24/7 wellbeing helpline - 0800 028 3766.