Students at a prestigious university in Paris have resumed pro-Palestinian protests, inspired by Gaza solidarity encampments at campuses in the United States. Dozens of students at Sciences Po blocked an entrance to a campus building with various objects and about 40 people remained inside the building overnight despite administrators calling the police on their peers two days earlier. On Wednesday evening, over 100 pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the amphitheater outside the university’s Paris campus, with some students eventually being removed by police later that night.
The demonstration was organized by the Palestine Committee of Sciences Po, calling for the administration to cut ties with universities and companies that allegedly support Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Students across the U.S., including at Columbia University, have been protesting the Israel-Hamas war for multiple days. Hundreds of students and some professors have been arrested in these demonstrations, with some involving struggles with law enforcement. At Columbia University in New York, negotiations are ongoing between the administration and student protesters who have refused to back down, though school officials have indicated they will seek other options if negotiations fail.
The protests at Sciences Po and Columbia University highlight the ongoing global support for the Palestinian cause and the mounting frustration with perceived support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. These demonstrations, alongside numerous other protests at campuses across the U.S., have become a focal point for students and faculty looking to voice their opposition to the conflict. Despite efforts by some administrations to quickly shut down protests, students have remained steadfast in their demands for justice and accountability.
The situation in Paris and New York reflects the wider debate surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the role of universities and companies in addressing these issues. Pro-Palestinian activists continue to push for divestment and boycotts of entities perceived to be supporting Israel, while facing pushback from authorities and ongoing negotiations with university administrations. The protests underscore the complex nature of the conflict and the challenges faced by those advocating for change from within educational institutions.
The resilience and determination of pro-Palestinian protesters at Sciences Po and Columbia University exemplifies the ongoing commitment to raising awareness and advocating for the rights of Palestinians. These demonstrations serve as a platform for students and faculty to challenge institutional links with entities supporting the conflict and to demand accountability from those in power. The protests also illustrate the power of grassroots movements in mobilizing support and creating dialogue around complex international issues.
As tensions continue to escalate in Gaza and the conflict shows no sign of abating, the protests at Sciences Po and Columbia University offer a glimpse into the broader global movement for solidarity with the Palestinian people. By standing in solidarity with Gaza and demanding accountability from their institutions, students are playing a crucial role in shaping the narrative around the Israel-Hamas conflict and challenging the status quo. The demonstrations serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of grassroots activism and the impact that universities and their communities can have in advocating for social justice and human rights.
