French Police Remove Pro-Palestinian Students from Sciences Po University

On Friday, French police peacefully removed dozens of pro-Palestinian students from the prestigious Sciences Po university in Paris. The students had occupied a university building since Thursday evening in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

The protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans calling for an end to Israel's offensive in Gaza. The university administration closed the main buildings and moved classes online in response to the occupation. Negotiations between the university director, Jean Bassères, and the students broke down on Friday after the protesters demanded an investigation into the university's economic ties to Israel.

Why this matters: The protests at French universities reflect the global repercussions of the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the complexities of international relations and the role of education institutions in political discourse. As tensions escalate, these demonstrations may influence public opinion and shape government responses to the crisis.

Failing to reach a compromise, Bassères requested police intervention to remove the students. "They [students] have filtered out slowly. They were allowed to leave the scene. It seems that it had gone off peacefully," reported Al Jazeera's Natacha Butler from the scene. Some students complained of a "disproportionate" police response and lack of medical assistance for those on hunger strike.

The Sciences Po incident follows similar demonstrations at 23 French university campuses on Thursday, including in Lille and Lyon. Police were called to remove students from these sites as well. The French Prime Minister's office stated that "all were evacuated within a few hours."

Sciences Po, which counts President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal among its notable alumni, saw tensions last week as well when pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators faced off outside the university. That standoff ended peacefully after pro-Palestinian students agreed to leave. Police presence will be maintained near the university to prevent further blockades.

The pro-Palestinian protests at French universities come amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which was reignited by a deadly attack on October 7. With Europe's largest Jewish population and a significant Muslim community, tensions in the Middle East often spill over into demonstrations in France. The Sciences Po occupation and evacuation highlight the complex dynamics at play as the conflict reverberates internationally.

Key Takeaways

• French police peacefully removed pro-Palestinian students from Sciences Po university in Paris.
• Students occupied a building since Thursday, demanding an end to Israel's offensive in Gaza.
• Negotiations broke down over an investigation into the university's economic ties to Israel.
• Similar protests occurred at 23 French university campuses, with police intervening to remove students.
• The incident highlights the global repercussions of the Israel-Hamas conflict on education institutions.