Hyderabad, Sept. 3 -- The Netherlands' Utrecht University has made history by becoming the first academic institution in the Western world to implement a full academic boycott of Israel.

The landmark decision, announced by Rector Wilco Hazeleger, follows months of sustained pressure from students and staff demanding action over Israel's conduct in Gaza.

In a statement issued at the start of the new academic year on Monday, September 1, Hazeleger confirmed that the university has "effectively stopped or suspended all institutional collaborations with Israeli parties and will not start any new collaborations." The boycott will remain in place "until further notice."

Describing the move as a "moral necessity," Hazeleger acknowledged the s...