Oxford Union declares Israel an apartheid state responsible for genocide

In a heated debate at the Oxford Union on Thursday evening, the society overwhelmingly voted in favor of a motion declaring Israel an apartheid state responsible for genocide. The event attracted significant attention, with a total vote of 278 in favor and 59 against. This debate, attended largely by Oxford students, often descended into chaos, marked by interruptions and heated exchanges between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli speakers. Notably, the president of the union, Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy, who initially was not scheduled to speak, took to the floor to support the motion. The debate featured speeches from Palestinian activists and supporters, including Mohammed El-Kurd and Susan Abulhawa, who articulated the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians, particularly in light of recent events in Gaza. On the opposing side, Israeli-American activist Yoseph Haddad delivered remarks that elicited strong reactions, leading to his ejection from the chamber. This incident sparked further outrage from audiences who countered with passionate responses towards his comments. The debate coincided with other developments, including a complaint filed by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians regarding Oxford's All Souls College. Overall, the event illustrated the deep divisions and passionate advocacy surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within academic environments. The proceedings reflected the heightened tensions stemming from recent violence and the global discourse on the implications of such actions.