European academics sign petition on Israel

More than 400 academics across Europe have signed a petition that calls for a research and cultural boycott of Israel.

The petition will be presented to British and European parliamentarians. It says: "Many national (UK) and European cultural and research institutions regard Israel as a European state for the purposes of awarding grants and contracts. Would it not therefore be timely if at both national and European level a moratorium was called on any further such support unless and until Israel abide by United Nations resolutions and open serious peace negotiations with the Palestinians?"

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