A month has passed since war broke out on 7 October, triggered by a surprise attack on Israel by the Islamic organization Hamas, which effectively controls the Palestinian autonomous territories of Gaza. Hamas has detained more than 240 hostages, including foreigners, while the Israeli military has intensified its air and ground incursions into Gaza.

According to the announcement, the total death toll from the war on both sides has exceeded 11,900, of which more than 4,300 are children. In Gaza, water, food and fuel are reportedly not reaching civilians, and there have been repeated attacks on hospitals.

As a university located in Hiroshima, which experienced the horrors of the atomic bombing in World War II, we cannot stand by and watch this unfolding humanitarian crisis. We oppose all forms of violence, call for an immediate ceasefire of the war and appeal to all parties concerned to work towards a peaceful solution.

Hiroshima University, in cooperation with universities around the world, will take all possible actions to break the chain of hatred and restore peace.
 

9 November 2023
Mitsuo Ochi
President,Hiroshima University

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