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HomeAboutOrganisationGlobal crisesUniversity response to recent events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East

University response to the crisis in Israel and Gaza

This page supports the University’s general approach to global crisis and conflicts which is available here.

Last updated: 11 September 2025

We are deeply saddened by the continued loss of innocent lives in Gaza and Israel. It remains a difficult and distressing time for students, staff and all in our community who have friends and family in the region. Many of us who are not directly affected by the conflict, also feel anger and frustration at the lack of progress towards a peaceful solution. As with all international conflicts and crises, the University as an institution will not take a particular advocacy position. Our institutional role is to enable free speech and open debate.

Support for the University community

Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. This includes those with offers to study or work at the university. More information on our support can be found on our global crisis and conflicts page.

In a vibrant academic institution such as ours, staff and students will hold a range of views about the conflict. Freedom of speech is the lifeblood of our university and we uphold the right for everyone to openly express their views and opinions with respect and courtesy and within the limits of the law.

The University also supports the right to lawful protest but actions which disrupt aspects of staff or student life or fellow members of the University, in breach of our codes of conduct, are unacceptable.

We also respect the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Discrimination has no place and is not tolerated at Oxford. Go to the inclusive student life and guidance on demonstrations or protest pages for more information.

Delivering our academic mission

The University has taken the following steps to support those impacted by the conflict, in line with our core mission to advance learning and our status as a University of Sanctuary:

  • Worked with other UK universities to secure visas and exit arrangements for Gazan students with full scholarships to take up their studies.
  • Launched a graduate scholarship programme – the Palestine Crisis Scholarship Scheme - for students displaced by the conflict to study in Oxford during 2025-26.
  • Opened Bodleian Library resources to students and scholars in, or displaced from, Palestinian universities.
  • Developed OxCRED, education-in-crisis initiative based at our Lifelong Learning department to provide flexible, high-quality, online education enabling students affected by the conflict to continue learning wherever they are.

In response to staff and student concerns, the University also accelerated a review of the current ban on direct investment in companies manufacturing arms that are illegal under UK law and in funds that primarily invest in such companies. Review findings are expected to be considered by the University’s Council – its executive governing body – later this year.

Learn more  

Oxford provides a range of opportunities to learn more about the current situation and the history of the Middle East. Our academics have a wealth of expertise and contribute to regular seminars and public lectures throughout the year. Check local department and college listings for details.

Podcasts are available on this topic via the University podcasts service, and a number of University clubs and societies also arrange seminars and events.

Staff and student communications

Communications to staff and students about the conflict are listed below.

2025

2024

2023

Media enquiries

Members of the media are able to access our experts via our Find an Expert listing.