From Paris to New York: A Closer Look at Campus Protests against Israel’s Actions

Protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza erupted at Paris’ esteemed Sciences Po university on Friday. Students blocked access to the institution, demanding that the university condemn Israel’s actions. This echoes similar demonstrations on US campuses, where students have been vocal in their support for the Palestinians.

The protesters chanted in solidarity with Gaza and displayed flags and keffiyeh headscarves as symbols of their unity. Hicham, a 22-year-old masters student in human rights and humanitarian studies at Sciences Po, emphasized the role of the academic world in speaking out against injustice. He accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and called for condemnation of Israel’s actions by Sciences Po.

Zoe, a 20-year-old masters student in public administration at Sciences Po, expressed the determination of the students to continue protesting until the “genocide in Gaza ends.” Science Po’s interim director, Jean Basseres, condemned the building blockade in a letter to teachers. However, discussions were ongoing with student representatives to resolve the situation.

Elsewhere on US campuses, clashes between police and students opposed to Israel’s actions erupted prompting concerns about the use of force to suppress protests following mass arrests at Columbia University. These incidents highlight the growing tension between those who support Israel’s actions and those who oppose them, both on campus and beyond.