Al Azhar and Islamic universities in Gaza temporarily halt studies
date: 22 04, 2006
Gaza, April 22, (BNA) Al Azhar and the Islamic Universities in Gaza decided to halt studies for three days, following the clashes which broke out between Hamas and Fatah supporters in which ten were injured, with some of them in critical conditions. President of the Islamic University, Jawad Wadi, expressed his utter discontent over the violent clashes, stressing that the perilous engagement of such renowned universities in politics doesn't serve the interest of the Palestinians. For his part, Al Azhar University's Secretary, Imed Sha'ath, expressed on behalf of the University, condemnation of the events which caused substantial material losses to the university. Sha'ath said the university undertook certain measures to reduce the degree of confrontation between students and protect the properties of the Palestinian people from damage, stressing the need for maintaining universities independence and keep them away from political strife.