Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations Spread Across International Campuses
ICARO Media Group
Article: Pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have gained momentum in U.S. colleges are now spreading to campuses worldwide, including cities such as London, Paris, Rome, Sydney, Tokyo, and Beirut. These protests have garnered attention as students rally in support of Palestine and call for action against Israel.
Video footage captured by news agencies showcased police entering the Sciences Po university building in Paris, where dozens of demonstrators were peacefully removed. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's office stated that police had been requested to evacuate students from 23 locations across French campuses. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, an increasing number of protests have emerged on various campuses.
Ella Ward, a 21-year-old environmental science student at the University of Leeds in England, expressed inspiration from the pro-Palestinian movements in the U.S. She confirmed that around 50 students at Leeds had set up their own encampment, demanding a two-way arms embargo on Israel. While university administrators at Leeds have not officially commented on the encampment, similar demonstrations have been witnessed at University College London, the University of Warwick, and Newcastle University.
However, not all students are supportive of these protest actions. Some express concerns for their safety and complain about the disruptions to their studies. Edward Isaacs, president of the Union of Jewish Students in the UK and Ireland, emphasized the need for universities to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for Jewish students amidst growing tensions.
In France, Samuel Lejoyeux, leader of the Union of Jewish Students of France, noted that the student protests appeared more peaceful compared to the U.S. According to him, there is an increased hunger for debate among French university students. Elisa Lin, a master's degree student studying public policy at Sciences Po, expressed feeling caught in the middle of the mounting tensions on campus. She launched an online petition for open dialogue between students and the university administration, as well as to condemn the blockade of the school and the illegal occupation of campus buildings.
Australian campuses also witnessed hundreds of people participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the University of Sydney. A clash with pro-Israel supporters heightened tensions during the rally.
These global protests reflect the deep divisions and concerns among students regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some students demand immediate action, others call for open dialogue and a safe space for expressing differing opinions. As the demonstrations spread across international campuses, the voices of both supporters and critics of the protests continue to shape the narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.