The presidents of five Israeli universities sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, calling for urgent action to resolve the "severe hunger crisis in Gaza."
The crisis is "causing immense harm to non-combatants, including children and infants," the letter reads.
In their letter, the university heads of Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, the Open University, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and the Technion urged the IDF to intensify efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis.
They emphasized the need to minimize harm to non-combatants, "regardless of the heavy responsibility of Hamas and other parties."
"Along with a growing number of the country’s residents, we are shocked by the scenes coming from Gaza, particularly infants who are dying daily from hunger and illness," the letter states.
The presidents further stressed the moral obligation, stating: "As a people who were victims of the horrific Holocaust in Europe, we have a special duty to act by all means at our disposal to prevent and avoid cruel and indiscriminate harm to innocent men, women, and children."
Yoav Kisch responds to the presidents
Education Minister Yoav Kisch issued a rebuke on Monday to the university presidents following their letter.
In his official response, Kisch condemned the university leaders for "aiding the enemy in a time of war.
Kisch firmly rejected the claim that Israel was “starving” the population in Gaza, stating, “The State of Israel is fighting a brutal terror organization, with the participation of civilian collaborators, while simultaneously ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid, which the terrorists often seize for themselves.”
The minister warned that such statements, particularly from Israeli academics, risk providing “moral cover for terrorism and encouragement to the enemy during wartime.” He wrote that the signatories had aligned with “the narrative of the terrorist Hamas organization,” and that their letter “completely aligns with the distorted and deceitful narrative repeated by the enemies of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Kisch concluded his message with a direct appeal, saying, “I call on you to retract your letter!” He reaffirmed his stance that “the IDF is the most moral army in the world,” and that “the State of Israel is undergoing a great moral test.” He urged Israel's academic leadership to “stand by it.”
A copy of the letter was sent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Concerns over statements advocating for destruction of Gaza's population
They concluded their letter by expressing deep concern over "plans" and statements made by some government members, which advocate for the destruction of Gaza's population.
The university heads warned: "Intentional destruction and the plan to create a 'humanitarian city' represent a loss of restraint and humanity from which we cannot recover, causing damage that cannot be healed."
They called on the prime minister to take action.