Universities Respond to Gaza Crisis with Pro-Palestine Demonstrations
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – From Amsterdam to Los Angeles, academia stands united in condemnation of Israel's atrocities in Gaza’s Rafah, as staff and students mobilize in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Staff and students at universities worldwide have joined pro-Palestine protests, denouncing Israel's crimes in Gaza and calling for solidarity with the Palestinian people.
In Amsterdam, Professor Sarah Bracke of the University of Amsterdam highlighted the staff's participation in demonstrations against the complicity in Gaza's plight. Bracke told Al Jazeera of police “violent” attempt to disperse peaceful encampments.
She said the staff today are protesting as they want to end the university’s complicity in “the ongoing genocide” in Gaza and call out the violent methods that police have used to suppress peaceful protests.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, tensions arose as pro-Palestine protesters briefly interrupted Pomona College's graduation ceremony. The Los Angeles Police Department reported attempts to block venue entrances and an altercation with an officer. Subsequently, the nearby University of Southern California announced campus closure due to safety concerns.
At Johns Hopkins University, student protesters dismantled their encampment following an agreement with university officials to review ties with Israel. The Hopkins Justice Collective framed the agreement as a partial victory toward divestment from Israel, with the university confirming its commitment to conduct a review. It also confirmed committing “to conclude student conduct proceedings arising out of the encampment, provided the protesters agree not to engage in further disruptions of university activities, including Commencement”.
In Gaza, the health system teeters on the brink of collapse due to fuel shortages for hospital generators. The Health Ministry warned of imminent catastrophe, emphasizing the critical need for supplies to sustain essential services.
Amid the crisis, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported a mass exodus from Gaza's Rafah, with nearly 360,000 fleeing since evacuation orders were issued by the Israeli regime. UNRWA highlighted the urgency of a ceasefire for the safety of civilians.
Tragically, the Israeli war's toll continues to mount, with over 35,000 people have been killed and nearly 80,000 injuries recorded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7th, underscoring the severity of the humanitarian crisis.