The French police intervened on Friday, May 3, 2024, to remove several dozen students who had been occupying a building at Sciences Po Paris in support of Gaza. The Palestine committee, representing the protesters, stated that they had refused a compromise offered by the administration. Videos posted on Instagram showed students being forcibly removed from the building by law enforcement officers, some of them dragged on the ground. Sciences Po Paris had closed its main buildings the previous day due to the occupation of students involved in the Gaza solidarity movement.
In Lyon, law enforcement also intervened to evacuate pro-Palestinian demonstrators from the Sciences Po site at the request of the administration. Once outside, the protesters chanted slogans in support of Gaza. The French government emphasized that a firm approach would be maintained in dealing with such situations, with immediate police intervention when necessary. The ongoing protests and occupations at various universities were seen as responding to a perceived lack of action in support of Palestine.
Following internal discussions on the Middle East on Thursday, Sciences Po students who were disappointed with the outcome announced a peaceful sit-in and campus occupation. Additionally, six students began a hunger strike in solidarity with Palestinian victims. They demanded an official non-anonymous vote on partnerships with Israeli universities. The Union of Jewish Students of France organized a dialogue table in response to the escalating tensions, aiming to foster constructive debates and combat polarization in discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The situation at universities across France continued to escalate, with closures, blockades, and student-led actions in solidarity with Palestine. The blockade at the Ecole Supérieure de Journalisme (ESJ) in Lille led to the school remaining closed for a second consecutive day, prompting the institution to plan discussions on journalistic coverage of the Gaza situation. At Sciences Po Lille, a meeting between the administration and students was scheduled to address the ongoing protests and find solutions. The French government reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order in response to any disruptions.
The student-led movements at various universities across France highlighted the deep divide on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, with protests, occupations, and hunger strikes gaining momentum. While the dialogue and initiatives by different student groups aimed to foster understanding and respectful discussions, the ongoing tensions and disruptions posed challenges to the academic environment. The French government’s firm stance and police intervention reflected a response to the growing unrest and the need to maintain order on university campuses in the midst of escalating tensions in the region.
The coordinated actions by student groups at Sciences Po Paris, Sciences Po Lille, and other universities in France demonstrated a united front in demanding action and solidarity with Palestine. The closure of university buildings, police interventions, and ongoing debates on the conflict indicated the complex and contentious nature of discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within academic institutions. The diverse responses and initiatives by student organizations and government authorities reflected attempts to address the challenges of discussing and responding to the conflict in a constructive and peaceful manner.
