The fight against the war in Gaza has sparked protests on American college campuses, with over 60 schools experiencing demonstrations and occupations since mid-April. Nearly 2,000 people have been arrested in relation to these protests. Images of police in riot gear clearing out Columbia and UCLA have been circulating worldwide, leading to the spread of the protests to universities across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
In Australia, pro-Palestine protests have been taking place at at least seven universities in recent weeks. Tensions arose at the University of Queensland in Brisbane between students supporting Palestinians and those with Israeli flags. The group Students for Palestine UQ is calling on university leaders to cut ties with Israeli companies, particularly those in the arms industry. Similar protests have occurred at other campuses across Australia, including the University of Sydney.
In the UK, demonstrations supporting Palestinians have been ongoing since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza. Encampments and occupations have started at British universities, with students calling for an end to partnerships with Israeli defense companies. These protests have drawn criticism from the Union of Jewish Students for creating a hostile environment for Jewish students.
In France, protests at universities like Sciences Po and Sorbonne have led to police intervention to clear out campsites. Students at these universities expressed solidarity with Palestinian people while facing criticism for alleged anti-Semitic and anti-Israel activities. Dialogue is being urged by both sides to address concerns and tensions on campus.
In India, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi also saw pro-Palestine protests in solidarity with Columbia students. Students at JNU called for their university not to provide a platform for representatives from nations complicit in actions by Israel. The Students’ Federation of India has denounced India’s pro-Israel stance despite historical support for Palestine
