In compliance with the commitment made by Universidade NOVA de Lisboa with the sustainable development objectives (SDGs) approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in January 2016, and in particular, taking into account the objectives that concern the promotion of Peace and Justice (SDG 16 ), our University subscribes to the call made by the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, regarding the current situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of all the Israeli hostages.
It was on 7 October 2023 that the terrorist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, launched a surprise attack on Israel. As well as taking dozens of hostages, the attack killed more than 1,500 people. The next day, Israel launched an unprecedented military offensive. Given the situation in the region, António Guterres has on several occasions deplored the escalation of violence and remains deeply concerned by what appear to be clear violations of humanitarian law.