Last week, Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) university students staged a protest in solidarity with Palestine during Israel’s war on Gaza. The demonstration was held in the form of a blockade at the campus entrance and saw Palestinian flags displayed at windows and the building’s entrance, as well as keffiyeh headscarves worn by some protesters as a symbol of support for Gaza.
Hicham, a 22-year-old master’s student in human rights and humanitarian studies at Sciences Po, emphasized the importance of academic institutions taking a stand against Israel’s actions. “It is our responsibility to speak out against injustice, no matter where it comes from,” he said.
Zoe, a 20-year-old master’s student in public administration, expressed joy at the growing momentum of student protests across universities and hoped for widespread support until the violence in Gaza ceases. She said: “We cannot remain silent when faced with such blatant violations of human rights.”
However, Sciences Po officials did not respond to requests for comment on the matter, and police reportedly removed a group of students blocking access to the campus earlier in the week. Left-wing politicians criticized the police action and called for further solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Despite this setback, the students at Sciences Po remained determined to continue their protest until they see an end to the violence in Gaza. They hope that their actions will inspire broader mobilization across universities and beyond, ultimately leading to lasting peace for Palestinians.
