ABOUT ISA

The International Sociological Association (ISA) has been concerned for some time and condemned the acts of violence that have occurred in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since the beginning of the conflict, the ISA has issued general and critical statements on the conflict and has supported colleagues who have been persecuted and harassed for standing against violence and for defending the human rights and freedoms of the people in these territories (ref. ISA Statements & the article by former ISA President Michael Burawoy). This has been done through letters to their academic institutions and issuing public statements. The ISA has also endorsed statements by other organizations and disseminated them through its social media platforms.

The violation of human rights has been increasing exponentially and sustained over time. We observe with great indignation the deterioration of the situation and the deepening and widening of this conflict beyond any limits we could have imagined and are therefore compelled to issue a new declaration.

Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza has resulted in 52,535 confirmed deaths, although it is estimated that the actual figure could be closer to 300,000. Around 70% of those killed were women and children. And 118,491 Palestinians have been injured (as of March 4th, 2025). Since the 7 October attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, the world has witnessed the Israeli military’s indiscriminate bombardment of hospitals, schools, universities, mosques, churches, and areas that the Israeli government has designated as ‘safe zones’ across Gaza, including after the declared ceasefire. 

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Médecins Sans Frontières, the International Federation for Human Rights, and the UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories have all concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Despite formal ‘ceasefire’ declarations in January 2025, the Israeli military has continued to bomb Gaza, also cutting off electricity and restricting access to water and food. 

The continued assault on Gaza is accompanied by a wave of violence and forced displacement in the West Bank, where more than 50,000 Palestinians have been displaced, as well as murderous attacks against Palestinians in Israel. The Israeli government has also expanded its military operations in Lebanon and Syria and carried out bombings in Iran and Yemen.

We condemn those universities and higher education institutions in Israel that have played a central role in Israel’s government settler-colonial and apartheid regime, including their links to military intelligence, epistemicide, and scholasticide. 

We recognize and commend the work of Israeli sociologists, academics, and academic institutions who have consistently campaigned against war and genocide, as well as other pro-peace mobilizations and organizations in the country.

We also pay tribute to the academic institutions, colleagues, students, social movements, and organizations that have courageously spoken out against and protested the violation of human rights and the suppression of freedom of expression around the world.

The ISA therefore calls for: 

1. An end to the genocide in Gaza and the escalating violence in the West Bank, and a complete end to Israel’s military occupation and all colonial practices in these territories, as well as in Lebanon and Syria.
2. An end to the apartheid-like conditions faced by Palestinians with Israeli citizenship; the establishment of conditions that enable the return of Palestinian refugees, including ensuring a viable and dignified life upon return; and the urgent, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid—such as food, healthcare, and water—which is currently being obstructed by Israel’s government.
3. The protection of academic freedom and freedom of speech for all people, especially faculty and students who research, teach, and speak out against Israel´s government's violent practices, both within Israel and globally.

May 13, 2025

• Statement in PDF format