Belgium’s Ghent University has severed ties with all Israeli universities and research institutions, as they no longer align with its human rights policy, Reuters reports quoting the university.

An investigation by the Ghent University, known as UGent, highlighted concerns regarding connections between Israeli academic institutions and the Israeli government, military, or security services, according to a university statement.

The investigation also referenced a recent World Court ruling stating that the humanitarian situation in Gaza had worsened in recent months.

UGent, which already severed ties with three Israeli institutions two weeks ago, had 18 ongoing partnerships with Israeli academic institutions, it said.

The university will continue its research projects with six non-academic Israeli institutions, saying they could not find any links between them and human rights violations.

Protesters told Belgian broadcaster VRT they welcomed the decision but want it extended to include the six Israeli non-academic partners UGent currently partners with. They added they will continue their protest.