The student bodies recommend reconsidering the freedom of expression document signed between them at the Strip's universities

Gaza, Publication and Information Unit:

Allowing democracy to be practised at the universities, overturning the managements' decision to suspend university activities, and reactivating the freedom of expression document signed by all the student bodies were the main recommendations of the meeting held by the Palestinian Center with the participation of all the student bodies at the Palestinian universities.

For his part, Mr. Iyad Abu Hjair, director of the Centre's Gaza branch, spoke about the role of the student bodies in strengthening community reconciliation and their ability to influence students, calling for the formation of a joint working committee to be called a "rapid intervention committee" to contain any difficulties that may arise inside the universities between the student bodies.

The representative of the Islamic Bloc, Wissam Al-Qatati, welcomed the idea of the committee, noting that it should come directly within the framework of the secretariat, adding: "University managements work to prevent activities from being held because of the tension they would generate among students from differing party backgrounds."

For his part, Shamekh Badra, representative of the Progressive Student Union bloc, stressed that the student bodies are unable to practise democracy inside the universities, as well as being unable to hold university elections.

At the end of the meeting, those present agreed to review the document proposed by the Palestinian Center and to set another meeting to discuss and amend it.