Dutch University Suspends Student Over Hamas Oct 7 Video

A Palestinian student at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, Hussein Issa, has been temporarily suspended after posting an Instagram video that appeared to show him identifying with Hamas terrorists during the October 7th attacks. The 22-year-old student, who reportedly arrived in the Netherlands only a few months prior, posted a video of himself in front of footage of the massacre, stating with pride, "It's me." The video, which is no longer available, was reportedly filmed during a gathering with friends in a student dormitory. It was published on the same day a large pro-Palestinian demonstration took place in Maastricht, with slogans such as "Break ties with Israel! End complicity in genocide, occupation, and apartheid." University officials stated that while there is no current proof Issa was actually one of the terrorists shown, his post, and the reactions to it, caused significant alarm among students and staff. Consequently, the university decided to suspend him from his studies pending a review of his continued enrollment. "This means he will not participate in the educational process," the university said. "During this period, it will be examined whether the student can continue his studies and under what conditions." Geert Wilders, leader of the right-wing Party for Freedom, called for Issa to be expelled from the country and for the Minister of Education to be held accountable. The article notes the pain such an act could cause Israelis, imagining someone in safe Europe watching footage of the massacre and proudly claiming involvement.