The Global Network on the Question of Palestine (GNQP) strongly condemns the violent attacks that have been directed against Dr. Hassan Ayoub over the last few days, a Professor of International Relations at Al-Najah National University of Nablus, occupied Palestine, and a distinguished member of this Network.
Following his condemnation of Nizar Banat’s unacceptable murder as well as his criticism of the Palestinian Authority, Dr. Ayoub and his family members have experienced various forms of assault, including verbal harassment and threats against their personal safety. This is unacceptable and the threats and intimidation carried out by the Palestinian Authority’s supporters against any critics must end! Whatever disagreement and divergent opinions, it can never be the reason for a violent reaction or repression.
We call on the Palestinian Authority to stop these practices that are unleashing a new level of intimidation against the Palestinian people and protect their rights of expression, including prominent figures like Dr. Ayoub, who has dedicated his life to education on democracy and freedom in Palestine. This behavior further risks heightening the divide and polarization in the Palestinian society in occupied Palestine. The Palestinian people are already overtired and disheartened by decades of settler-colonial occupation with no end in sight.
As a collective committed to justice in Palestine, we deplore the illiberal fallout in rhes practices. We express our utmost solidarity to Dr. Ayoub, his family, and all other Palestinian activists and critical voices who stand for the right of the Palestinians against any form of oppression.
