IISc Bengaluru: Over 800 students, faculty sign petition to cancel 'India-Israel Business Summit'

NEW DELHI: A petition signed by 685 students and faculty members from renowned institutions, including Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, IIT Kanpur, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, IIT Delhi, Christ University, and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, has raised objections to IISc Bengaluru's decision to host and sponsor the "India-Israel Business Summit" on September 23, 2024. The petition cites concerns over Israel's involvement in the ongoing conflict and alleged human rights violations in Gaza and other Palestinian territories. Addressed to IISc Director Govindan Rangarajan, the petition urges the institute to reconsider its association with Israel and cancel the summit.

In their letter, the petitioners express deep concern over Israel's current military operations, which, according to the petition, have resulted in the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The petition cites a Lancet report suggesting that actual casualties may be four times higher, possibly amounting to 10% of Gaza's population. It also mentions the destruction of universities, healthcare facilities, and a worsening food crisis, with the World Food Programme estimating that 96% of Gazans are now facing food insecurity.

International legal rulings and UN resolution against Israel

The petition references a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, stating that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law. It also points out a United Nations General Assembly resolution urging an end to the occupation.

Concerns over defence and cybersecurity collaboration

The petitioners are particularly concerned about the summit’s focus on defence and cybersecurity, arguing that such collaboration could amount to supporting what they call Israel’s “genocide in Palestine” and its aggressive actions against neighbouring countries, including Lebanon. They cite a recent instance of electronic devices being remotely detonated in civilian areas of Lebanon as an example of Israeli terrorism.

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Letter to IISc director for cancelling the summit

The letter written to the IISc Bengaluru director read as follows,

“We are writing to express our deep concern that the Indian Institute of Science is sponsoring and hosting an "India-Israel Business Summit" on 23rd September. As you know, Israel is currently engaged in a brutal war. In this campaign, Israel has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children. A report in the Lancet suggested that the true casualties might be four times higher, which would amount to about 10% of Gaza's total population.

Israel has destroyed every University in Gaza. It has also destroyed healthcare facilities, leading to the resurgence of diseases such as polio. The World Food Agency estimates that 96% of Gazans are facing food insecurity. Alongside, Israel has also launched brutal raids on the West Bank and just this last week, Israel engaged in terrorist attacks in Lebanon by remotely detonating electronic devices, many of which were in civilian areas.

The International Court of Justice recently ruled that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories violated international law, and the UN General Assembly has recently passed a resolution with an overwhelming majority urging an end to this occupation.

We also witness the world academic community and various universities divesting from Israel due to students and faculty members coming out in solidarity with Palestine. In this situation, it is unconscionable for IISc to encourage collaborations between India and Israel.

We are especially concerned that one of the planned tracks of discussion is in defence and cybersecurity. Such cooperation would amount to direct support for Israel's genocide in Palestine and its aggressive actions against its neighbours. We request you to stop the "India Israel Business Summit" event on 23rd September and not allow the use of the Indian Institute of Science as a platform to legitimise genocide and colonialism."