StudentProtestsSweep Campuses Globally Over Israel-Gaza Conflict

A wave of pro-Palestinian protests has erupted on college campuses across the globe, with students demanding divestment from firms connected to Israel and urging their universities to take a stance on the war in Gaza. The protests, which began in the United States, have spread to Canada, the UK, France, and Australia.

Why this matters: The widespreadstudent protests highlight the growing international concern over the Israel-Gaza conflict and its humanitarian implications, as well as the increasing role of universities in shaping global political discourse. As the protests continue to gain momentum, they may influence government policies and corporate investments, leading to significant consequences for the Middle East region and beyond.

Pro-Palestinian student activists have set up encampments at universities in Canada, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of Ottawa, and two universities in British Columbia. In the UK, protests have emerged at Oxford University, University College London, and at least six other universities. French police have intervened to remove student activists from the elite Sciences Po and Sorbonne University campuses in Paris. Protests have also taken hold at universities in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra in Australia.

The protests have been met with a range of responses from university administrations and law enforcement. Over 1,000 individuals have been arrested at campuses across the United States, with police reportedly firing rubber bullets at UCLA protesters. US President Joe Biden has spoken out about the protests, defending "peaceful protest" but condemning "violent protest." He stated, "Look, it's basically a matter of fairness. It's a matter of what's right. There's the right to protest, but not the right to cause chaos."

The student-led protests in the US have resulted in class cancellations, altered commencement ceremonies, and pledges from some universities to address protesters' demands. The protests share a common call for universities to sever financial ties with companies linked to Israel's war in Gaza, which has killed over 34,000 Palestinians since erupting on October 7 when Hamas militants attacked Israel.

Key Takeaways

• Pro-Palestinian protests erupt on college campuses globally, demanding divestment from Israel-linked firms.
• Protests spread across the US, Canada, UK, France, and Australia, highlighting international concern over Israel-Gaza conflict.
• Over 1,000 arrested in US, with police using rubber bullets; President Biden defends peaceful protest, condemns violence.
• Universities respond with class cancellations, altered commencement ceremonies, and pledges to address protesters' demands.
• Protests call for universities to sever financial ties with companies linked to Israel's war in Gaza, which has killed over 34,000 Palestinians.