Global Demonstrations in Support of Gaza

Demonstrations around the globe are showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, particularly on university campuses. In Australia, 7 universities have organized protests, with Sydney and Queensland among them. Universities in the UK, including Newcastle, Leeds, and Bristol, have also held sit-ins.

This wave of protests has spread to universities in India, Lebanon, France, and other countries. The protests typically involve sit-ins and some students even setting up tents on their campuses and refusing to move. The main reason behind these protests is to urge universities to sever ties with companies that have connections to Israel, particularly those involved in supplying weapons to the country.

The looming threat of an attack on Rafah, where many Palestinians are trapped without access to food and basic necessities, has fueled these demonstrations. Students also demand a ceasefire in Gaza to end the violence. The reactions to these protests vary across different countries.

In the US, over 2000 people have been arrested at campuses, sparking debates over the right to protest, freedom of speech, and accusations of antisemitism. Incidents like a policeman accidentally firing his gun during a protest at Columbia University have raised concerns. In France, police have been seen forcibly removing protesters from the University of Sorbonne, leading to the closure of the campus.

However, in Canada, a court rejected an injunction request to force protesters to leave, allowing the demonstrations to continue in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. On the other side, some Jewish students have expressed opposition to the protests, claiming they promote antisemitism and create a hostile environment on campuses. The Union of Jewish Students in the UK and Ireland has labeled the demonstrations as a "continuous torrent of antisemitic hatred." Overall, the recent protests in support of Gaza have sparked conversations and debates on university campuses worldwide.