Protests to end the war between Israel and Hamas gain momentum at US universities | National Newspaper

Protests to end the war between Israel and Hamas gain strength at US universities

In the United States, protests to end the war between Israel and Hamas gained momentum in universities. More than 500 people have already been arrested.

For ten days, the campus of Columbia University, one of the most important in the United States, has been occupied by students in a camp in support of the Palestinians. They want the institution to position itself in favor of a ceasefire in a war that is taking place more than 10,000 kilometers away.

Palestine flags are the majority. The students demand that the university cut ties with companies linked to Israel or that, they say, profit from the conflict in Gaza.

This Friday (26), one of the leaders of the university’s pro-Palestine movement apologized for anti-Semitic comments he made in January.

On the other side, near the camp, other students planted Israeli flags. Jewish students feel unsafe just visiting campus. They demand measures and protection.

Ary said that his friends had already been threatened by protesters and said he was disappointed with the rectory.

The university has already spoken out, condemning any act of discrimination based on religion or nationality. The management also stated that it is in negotiations with leaders of the pro-Palestinian movement so that they vacate the campus, but one student said Columbia has given no guarantee that if they leave the camp the institution will keep its word and cut ties with Israeli companies.

Throughout the week, the dean imposed a deadline for students to move the protest off campus. The first deadline imposed was midnight on Tuesday (23) and they didn’t leave. On Wednesday morning, she extended this deadline for another 48 hours, but on Friday morning (26), they were still on site.

These students began to receive support from Columbia alumni and university students at other institutions.

Pro-Palestinian acts spread across the country. Several educational centers did like Columbia: they called the police to free up spaces for collective use.

The governor of Texas sent more than 100 agents to a university. In California, similar scenes were repeated.

This Friday, during a trip to China, the head of American diplomacy commented on the protests.

“In our country, it is a hallmark of democracy that citizens express their views and concerns,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

He too stated that the silence regarding Hamas draws attention and said the war could end tomorrow if the terrorists surrendered.

In France, the police had to separate pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protesters at one of the most prestigious universities in Paris.

Pro-Palestinian activists blocked one of the entrances to the Institute of Political Science. They demanded that the school condemn Israel’s actions in the war in Gaza.