French police peacefully removed dozens of pro-Palestinian students from the prestigious Sciences Po university in Paris after similar demonstrations at 23 campuses across France. The students at Sciences Po gathered in support of Palestinians, waving flags and chanting slogans in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The university had been occupied since Thursday evening, but the administration closed the main buildings and moved classes online to prevent further disruptions.
Following the dislodging of students at other campuses on Thursday, a protest was held in front of the Pantheon monument in Paris, near the Sorbonne University. Similar demonstrations were also reported at campuses in Lille, Reims, and Lyon in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The police were asked to remove students from 23 sites across French campuses, and all were evacuated within a few hours. A police presence will be maintained near Sciences Po to prevent any further blockades, according to a statement from Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s office.
The protesters at Sciences Po called for an investigation committee to examine the university’s economic ties to Israel to ensure they are not violating international law. The school attempted to find a compromise with the students to allow exams to take place, but ultimately had to ask the police to intervene, leading to a “difficult decision.” Last week, a standoff between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators outside the university required riot police to step in and separate the groups. The protest ended peacefully after pro-Palestinian students agreed to leave, and the school agreed to suspend disciplinary proceedings and organize a town hall over the issue.
France, with Europe’s largest Jewish population and western Europe’s largest Muslim population, often sees tensions and protests linked to unrest in the Middle East. The solidarity demonstrations at French universities come in the wake of escalating violence in the Gaza Strip following a Hamas-led attack on Israel. The protests highlight the global impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the growing support for Palestinians around the world. The students’ actions and demands reflect a desire for accountability and ethical standards in their academic institutions, particularly in relation to international conflicts and human rights violations.
The intervention by French police at Sciences Po and other campuses underscores the challenges of balancing freedom of expression and maintaining order within educational institutions. While protests and demonstrations are common in France, the escalation at universities due to international conflicts raises questions about the role of universities in addressing political issues. The standoff between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups at Sciences Po highlights the complexities of navigating tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within academic settings, with authorities working to ensure the safety and security of all students while upholding principles of free speech and peaceful assembly.
The protests at Sciences Po and other French universities serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global events and how they can impact local communities and academic institutions. The solidarity shown by students in support of Palestinians reflects a growing awareness and activism around international conflicts and human rights issues. As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the role of universities in facilitating dialogue and understanding becomes increasingly important, with efforts to address the concerns and demands of students while ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all.
