Dutch university suspends Palestinian student who claimed he took part in October 7 massacre

In the since-deleted video, which the student reportedly posted on Saturday, he watched footage of the attack and pointed at masked men on the screen, claiming it was him.

A 22-year-old Palestinian student from the Gaza Strip was provisionally suspended from Maastricht University in the Netherlands after claiming in an Instagram video that he participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Dutch media reported over the weekend.

It has not been confirmed that the student actually participated in the attack.

In the since-deleted video, which the student reportedly posted on Saturday, he watched footage of the attack and pointed at masked men on the screen. According to NL Times and local media outlets, he said, “this is me” while discussing the attack.

Maastricht University confirmed the post and the student's provisional suspension.

He “is provisionally suspended and therefore may not take part in classes,” a university spokesperson said. “During that period it can be determined whether and under what conditions that student may continue his studies.”

The university said the post and the reactions to it were “such that we could not rule out concern and unrest among the students.” The suspension was therefore necessary to allow the university to proceed “safely and without threat or disruption.”

Netherlands university aids Palestinian in temporary residence

According to the original report, Maastricht University had facilitated the student's move to the Netherlands. On April 8, the university submitted an application to immigration authorities for a temporary residence permit on his behalf, which was approved. He arrived in the country in recent months.

According to De Telegraaf, the student has around 30,000 Instagram followers and posts regularly. The newspaper reported that he had also posted images featuring jihadist gestures.

De Telegraaf also found a post referring to “the martyrdom of my third brother Ahmed in Jabalia.” The student reportedly wrote alongside a photograph of his brother, “I ask Allah to seal my life with the same end as yours, brother.”

The case has raised questions in the Netherlands about background checks conducted on students arriving from Gaza. According to the original report, police have not opened a criminal investigation on their own initiative because the video itself is not considered sufficient grounds. Maastricht University has also not announced whether it intends to file a complaint.

Netherlands bans trade with West Bank, east Jerusalem, Golan Heights settlements

The controversy erupted days after a Dutch ban on the import, purchase, and sale of products originating in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights took effect on September 22. The ban also applies to goods brought into the country by private travelers and to online purchases.

The Dutch government said the measure was intended to prevent economic activity that contributes to the continued existence of the settlements.

Dutch customs authorities have said violations of the ban could result in criminal proceedings. Under Dutch law governing economic offenses, an intentional violation of sanctions of this kind may constitute a criminal offense punishable by up to six years in prison and a possible fine.