Dutch Prosecutors Won't Investigate Gaza Student Over Oct. 7 Video

Dutch prosecutors have announced they will not pursue a criminal investigation against a 22-year-old student from Gaza who posted a video on Instagram appearing to identify himself among Hamas terrorists in footage from the October 7th massacre. The prosecution and police concluded that the video does not constitute a criminal offense and lacks evidence of incitement, glorification of terrorism, or involvement in the attack. Maastricht University, which had suspended the student on Sunday, stated it would discuss his return to studies. According to the university, its board met with the student this week, during which he expressed distress over the controversy and insisted it was a misunderstanding. The student also stated he was confident that an official investigation would prove his innocence.

The university acknowledged the incident caused unease among some members of its community and scheduled another meeting with the student to determine how he can resume his studies in a safe environment. Minister of Education Rianne Letschert deferred the decision to the university, emphasizing their responsibility for student safety. Letschert met with a delegation of Jewish students and staff on Friday.

The student had posted the video about a week prior. In the clip, filmed in his student housing, he is seen watching a news report about the massacre, pointing at masked terrorists, and saying, "Seventh of October. This is me." The video has since been deleted, and the university had initially suspended the student out of concern for the safety of students and staff. On Thursday, the university announced it would not file a police complaint against him.