In recent weeks, students at the esteemed Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) university in France have taken a stand against Israel’s war on Gaza by blocking access to the institution in protest. These students demanded that the university condemn Israel’s actions, an echo of 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, emphasized the importance of academic institutions taking a stance on these issues and expressed hope that the movement would spread throughout France.
Zoe, a 20-year-old master’s student in public administration, also supported the mobilization of students at various universities and stressed that they will continue to protest until violence in Gaza comes to an end. However, 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 criticized by left-wing politicians. This protest underscores the growing global movement in solidarity with Gaza and calls for universities to take action against Israeli violence.