Dutch university suspends Gaza student over alleged role in October 7 attack

Maastricht University in the Netherlands has provisionally suspended a 22-year-old Palestinian student from Gaza after he claimed in a video that he participated in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

According to SaharaReporters, the student made the claim in a now-deleted Instagram video posted on Saturday, pointing at masked men in footage of the attack and saying, “this is me.”

The university confirmed the video and suspension, barring him from classes while officials determine whether, and under what conditions, he can continue his studies.

Maastricht University said the post and subsequent reactions raised concerns about possible unrest among students, adding that the temporary measure was necessary to maintain a safe environment without threats or disruption.

The student arrived in the Netherlands recently after the university helped facilitate his departure from Gaza and applied for a temporary residence permit on his behalf.

The case has renewed debate in the Netherlands over screening Palestinians arriving from Gaza for university study.