The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has announced its participation in a nationwide strike alongside other Israeli research universities to demand a hostage deal. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic news of the murder of one of its students, Carmel Gat, who was among six Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. Carmel Gat, a 40-year-old occupational therapist, was abducted from her parents' home in the border kibbutz of Be’eri in southern Israel.
In response to this heartbreaking event, the university spokesperson stated that all activities, with the exception of exams, will be suspended on Monday. This move marks an unprecedented action by the university and is seen as a more extensive measure compared to previous strikes that took place since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October. The university had previously participated in a partial strike back in June.