Full Breakdown
Oxford Union President Faces Resignation Calls Over WhatsApp Comments on Hamas Attack
6/3/2026, 10:03:59 PM
Oxford Union President's Controversial WhatsApp Remarks
Arwa Elrayess, a PPE student and Oxford Union president, joined a WhatsApp chat with about 100 incoming students in September 2023. She called the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel “proportional” and later said it might be “less than proportional.” She added that proportionality “does not mean ‘right’ … you can’t be shocked that it happened.” Elrayess also argued that resistance movements are often labeled “terrorist” by the West until they achieve their aims and are later celebrated as heroes.
Prior Union Controversies
Predecessor George Abaraonye was removed after comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Under Elrayess, the Union invited Tommy Robinson and hosted Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, whose UK visas were later revoked.
Timeline of the Controversy
- Sep 2023 – Elrayess posts WhatsApp messages.
- Oct 7 2023 – Hamas attacks Israel, referenced in the chat.
- 2024 – Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran; Elrayess cites this context.
- Jun 2024 – Student groups demand Elrayess’s resignation; media reports appear.
Criticism and Calls for Resignation
Oxford Students Against Discrimination called the messages “appalling,” saying they fuel fear among Jewish students and urging Elrayess to step down. The Campaign Against Antisemitism labeled the remarks “absolutely sickening” and demanded legal scrutiny. A former committee member called the comments “the explicit normalisation of terror.”
Official Responses
Elrayess said her messages were informal and that she does not support violations of international law, including targeting civilians or hostage-taking. She stressed the remarks were a theoretical discussion, not an endorsement of violence. The Oxford Union said it could not comment on matters external to its business. A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson warned that any attempt to excuse the October 7 attacks should disqualify the individual from leadership roles.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am actually. In fact, some would argue it's less than proportional.” — Arwa Elrayess, Oxford Union President
- “I do not support or condone breaches of international law – such as the deliberate targeting of civilians, hostage-taking, the use of famine as a weapon, or any other grave breaches – whether carried out by Hamas or by Israel.” — Arwa Elrayess
- “'Any effort to excuse or explain it away should disqualify someone not only from being the President of the Oxford Union – one of the most prestigious positions at one of the UK’s most elite institutions – but also should render them unfit from holding any position at all.” — Campaign Against Antisemitism
Unresolved Issues and Next Steps
Some WhatsApp participants described the October 7 attack as “justified,” showing divergent views among students. The University of Oxford has not announced disciplinary action, and the Oxford Union declined to comment on the private messages. Student groups continue to demand Elrayess’s resignation, while legal advisers for the Campaign Against Antisemitism review possible actions. The episode may affect future speaker-selection policies at the Union and broader campus debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
