Growing global student mobilization: Situation by country

Solidarity with Gaza is apparent at universities around the globe, with student movements in France, Germany, Canada, and beyond revealing rising tensions and diverse reactions to the ongoing conflict.

United States: Expansion and controversies of student demonstrations

In the United States, student protests are growing significantly, impacting major cities like Washington, Los Angeles, New York, Austin, Boston, Chicago, and Atlanta.

Prestigious universities such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Princeton have been the scene of sit-ins and protests, reminiscent of protests against the Vietnam War. These actions, sustained for weeks, provoke various responses in the political environment.

This mobilization led to the arrest of multiple students in Columbia, Texas, and Southern California, with incidents of violence reported during police interventions.

France: police intervention and controversy

In France, student protests have taken an intense turn. In Paris, the police had to interfere at the Institute of Political Studies to disperse demonstrators who had occupied the building for several days.

The students request the university to cut ties with Israeli institutions and criticize France for not sufficiently defending human rights in this context of conflict.

Germany: government concern

In Germany, the situation is characterised by government concern over a possible rise in anti-Israel sentiment.

Authorities are closely observing protests, such as the one at Humboldt University in Berlin, where virulent addresses prompted the government to call for a firm response against all forms of hatred.

The Minister of Education urged establishments to actively combat anti-Semitism on campus.

Canada: resilience and Continued demands

In Toronto, University of Toronto students persist in their sit-ins despite administrative pressure.

They demand a total cessation of all academic and financial cooperation with Israeli entities, illustrating a determination that reflects the strength of the Canadian student movement in favor of Palestine.

Ireland: temporary closure and fines

In Ireland, students at Trinity College Dublin created a “solidarity camp” which resulted in the temporary closure of the Book of Kells, a prominent campus site.

University authorities inflicted a considerable fine on the organizers for the financial losses caused by the protests.

Australia: active pacifism

In Australia, the University of Sydney was the scene of peaceful but emotionally charged demonstrations.

Students put up tents and showed their support for Gaza, while maintaining an open dialogue with supporters of Israel on campus, revealing a more measured approach to the conflict.

Mexico: tents for Gaza

In Mexico, students at the National Autonomous University of Mexico set up tents and Palestinian flags in front of the main campus, voicing solidarity with slogans and demands to sever diplomatic and trade relations with Israel.

These international movements indicate how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to mobilize young people around the world, pushing academic institutions and governments to respond to increasingly visible and influential student activism.