University students around the world are joining pro-Palestine protests in solidarity with Gaza. What began as an encampment at Columbia University in the US has now spread to campuses in California, Texas, and beyond, with more than 20 universities participating in protests against Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. From France to Australia, students are showing their support with demonstrations and encampments.
In Paris, Sorbonne University students and the Palestine Committee at Sciences Po are organizing protests, despite facing police crackdowns. In Australia, students at the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne are also protesting. In Italy, Rome, students at Sapienza University have organized demonstrations, sit-ins, and hunger strikes. In England, University of Warwick students have occupied their campus piazza, while in Leicester, students from the University of Leicester Palestine Society are protesting. University of Leeds students last month occupied a campus building to protest their university’s involvement with Israel.
Outside of the US, student protesters have various demands. In France, students want the French government to support Palestinians and condemn Israeli actions. In Australia, students are calling for their institute to cut ties with Israeli universities and arms manufacturers. In England, Warwick students are demanding the university divest from companies funding what they consider to be genocide by Israel. The protest in Leicester targeted the Elbit Systems UK drone factory for shutdown, while students at Leeds demanded the suspension of a Jewish chaplain with ties to the Israeli army.
Despite facing police crackdowns in some locations, such as in Paris, students are continuing to mobilize and demonstrate. In response to the police intervention at Sciences Po, protesters have regrouped and increased their numbers. The crackdowns have only strengthened the students’ resolve to continue advocating for Palestinian rights.