Mediator Khalid Benhaddou, who was appointed to unblock the conflict between Pro-Palestinian activists and the authorities at Ghent University, is quitting. He was only appointed 10 days ago. At Ghent University the sit-in will continue. According to Mr Benhaddou, the activists do not want to reach a compromise.
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Mediator Khalid Benhaddou quits at Ghent University: “Pro-Palestinian activists don’t want to compromise”
Colin Clapson
Published:
Mr Benhaddou was appointed at the request of the Ghent mayor. "And that appointment was accepted by both sides. In the beginning, I was able to bring them around the table. An escalation was avoided. But after the advice from UGent's human rights committee and the reactions to it, I wanted to know whether a compromise was still possible," Mr Benhaddou clarified.
UGent said last week that collaborations with Israeli institutions would be stopped, but the students also want the university to stop collaborating with Israeli companies, and to put greater effort into sustainability and climate. “Last weekend I had worked out a proposal, to see if there still was willingness to reach a compromise. I felt I could no longer make progress otherwise."
"One party said very clearly that it does not want to compromise on the demands. For me, de facto that means the mediation ends. You can lead a horse to water but not force it to drink!”
The negotiations between pro-Palestinian activists and UGent have now broken down. This increases the likelihood an evacuation of the university building will be enforced.