Annika Östman Wernerson: Attacks on the innocent must cease immediately

As a university, we take no stand on foreign policy, which is a matter for the Swedish government. But in the serious situation that now prevails, I as president of a medical university cannot but condemn the unjust state of affairs in Gaza. The Israeli government must comply with the international conventions and treaties in place for protecting civilian populations. The attacks on the innocent must cease immediately, as must all military action that affects healthcare, patients and medical personnel. There is also an acute need of food, medicines and other necessities, and the blocking of aid is profoundly inhumane.

I have been asked if Karolinska Institutet should, in protest at Israel’s actions, terminate the collaborations we have with our academic colleagues in Israel. My answer is no. The role of universities is to develop and share knowledge, create dialogue and ask critical questions. Censure, demands and actions must be directed at the right targets, and those targets are not our colleagues. Academic boycotts should be avoided.