Students in Paris Block Israel’s Human Rights Record: A Call to University Action Against Violence in Gaza

In Paris, a group of students from the prestigious Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) university took a stand against Israel’s actions in Gaza by blocking access to the institution in protest. The students demanded that the university condemn Israel’s actions, and their sentiment was echoed in similar demonstrations on campuses across the United States.

During the protest, students chanted their support for Palestinians and displayed Palestinian flags at windows and over the building’s entrance. Some even wore the black-and-white keffiyeh head scarf, a symbol of solidarity with Gaza. Hicham, a 22-year-old master’s student in human rights and humanitarian studies at Sciences Po, spoke about the importance of academia in addressing these issues and expressed hope that the movement would spread throughout France.

Zoe, a 20-year-old master’s student in public administration, also expressed her support for the mobilization of students at various universities and emphasized that they will continue to protest until violence in Gaza comes to an end. Despite their efforts, Sciences Po officials did not respond to requests for comment on the situation.

Reports indicate that police removed a group of students who were blocking access to Sciences Po on Wednesday night, which was met with criticism from left-wing politicians. The protest at Sciences Po underscores the growing global movement in solidarity with Gaza and calls for universities to take a stand against violence.