Students at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) in Paris blocked access to a campus building in solidarity with Gaza protests at campuses in the United States. They occupied a building, blocked its entrance, and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans while displaying Palestinian flags and placards. A standoff between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators ensued, with riot police eventually stepping in to separate the groups. Despite warnings and police orders to evacuate, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters refused to leave and were eventually seen carrying a large Palestinian flag as they peacefully dispersed.
One of the demands of the protesters was for Sciences Po to sever ties with Israeli schools. The university administrator pledged to hold a townhall meeting and suspend some disciplinary proceedings against students in exchange for a commitment from the protesters to no longer disrupt courses or other activities. The Gaza war has caused sharp divisions in France, which has a large population of both Muslims and Jews. France initially attempted to ban pro-Palestinian demonstrations following an attack by Hamas, which sparked the war, as antisemitism surged.
Earlier in the week, over 100 pro-Palestinian protesters occupied a Sciences Po amphitheater. After discussions with management, most students left, but a small group remained and was removed by police. Due to the ongoing protests, the university administration decided to close all buildings and move classes online, condemning the student actions that prevent the proper functioning of the institution. The protesters expressed that their actions were inspired by similar demonstrations at Columbia University in New York and other U.S. campuses, emphasizing their solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The Gaza war protests have been widespread in the United States, with demonstrations at Columbia University and other campuses across the country. These protests have led to hundreds of students and even some professors being arrested, sometimes after clashing with police. The situation has become increasingly tense on college campuses, with students and faculty taking strong stances on both sides of the issue. The protests reflect the high level of activism and engagement among students in response to the conflict in Gaza, with many choosing to take a stand and make their voices heard.
The standoff at Sciences Po highlights the global nature of the solidarity movement with the Palestinian cause, as students around the world are engaging in protests and demonstrations to express their support. The students’ actions have disrupted normal university activities, leading to classes being moved online and administrative challenges for the university. Despite the tensions and divisions arising from the Gaza war, these protests demonstrate the commitment of students to advocate for social and political change, even in the face of potential repercussions. The ongoing protests serve as a reminder of the power of student activism and the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue and debate on complex and divisive issues.
