The war in Gaza has sparked a global movement, with American universities experiencing protests and occupations since mid-April. Over 2 thousand people have been arrested in connection with these demonstrations, and images of police in riot gear clearing out campuses like Columbia and UCLA have circulated around the world.
As a result, the protest has spread to universities in Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. In Australia, pro-Palestine protests have taken place at least seven universities in recent weeks. Tensions arose at the University of Queensland between students who were solidarity with Palestinians and those who displayed Israeli flags. Students for Palestine UQ are calling on university leaders to cut ties with Israeli companies, particularly those involved in arms manufacturing. Similar protests took place at other campuses across Australia.
In the United Kingdom, demonstrations supporting Palestinians have been ongoing since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza. Encampments and occupations have started at British universities, with students demanding an end to partnerships with Israeli defense companies. These protests faced criticism from Jewish organizations for creating a hostile environment for Jewish students.
In France, protests at Sciences Po and Sorbonne universities led to police intervention to clear out camps. Students at these universities expressed solidarity with Palestinians while facing criticism for alleged anti-Semitic activities. Dialogue is urged by both sides to address concerns and tensions on campus.
Similarly, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in India saw pro-Palestine protests that were solidarity with Columbia students who had occupied their campus earlier this year. Students at JNU called on their university not to provide a platform for representatives of countries complicit in Israel’s actions. The Students’ Federation of India condemned India’s pro-Israel stance deviating from historical support for Palestine