Students at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) blocked access to a campus building on Friday, prompting administrators to move all classes online. The pro-Palestinian protest, inspired by solidarity encampments in the United States, escalated into a tense standoff between demonstrators and police.
In the wake of the ongoing Gaza conflict, pro-Palestinian protests have ignited on campuses worldwide, including at the prestigious French university Sciences Po. Inspired by solidarity encampments at U.S. universities, students at Sciences Po took action on Friday, April 26th, blocking access to a central campus building.
The demonstration began with protesters occupying the building and erecting barricades of trash cans, wooden platforms, and a bicycle at the entrance. They chanted pro-Palestinian slogans from the building's windows, hung Palestinian flags and placards, and demanded that Sciences Po sever ties with Israeli schools.
As the day progressed, the protest drew both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators to the university, creating a tense standoff in the streets outside. Riot police intervened to separate the opposing groups, as a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters remained inside the building, defying police orders to evacuate.
Protester Louise, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and drew inspiration from similar demonstrations at Columbia University and other U.S. campuses. However, she emphasized that their actions were primarily motivated by support for Palestine.
The Gaza war has sparked deeply divisive reactions in France, which has the largest populations of Muslims and Jews in Western Europe. Initially, the French government sought to ban pro-Palestinian demonstrations following a surprise attack on Israel by Hamas. Antisemitism has also surged in the country.
Previous pro-Palestinian protests at Sciences Po, including an occupation of an amphitheater on Wednesday evening, resulted in the removal of some students by police. However, Sciences Po administrators took a more conciliatory approach this time.
In an email to students, administrator Jean Bassères announced a townhall meeting in the coming week and the suspension of some disciplinary proceedings against protesters. In return, students agreed to cease disrupting classes and other university activities.
The escalation of pro-Palestinian protests at Sciences Po and other French universities reflects the growing international solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Inspired by similar demonstrations in the United States, students are demanding accountability from their institutions and calling for an end to Israeli occupation.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to fuel tensions around the world, sparking both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests and raising concerns about rising antisemitism. The demonstrations at Sciences Po highlight the deeply divisive nature of the conflict and the importance of addressing the underlying causes of the violence.
