A group of students blocked the entrances to the prestigious Sciences Po University in Paris in protest against the war on the Gaza Strip, demanding that the university condemn Israeli actions, in a movement similar to demonstrations witnessed at American universities.
The students chanted pro-Palestinian slogans and raised Palestinian flags on the windows and above the building’s entrance. Some of them wore the black and white keffiyeh, which has become a symbol of solidarity with Gaza.
Hisham (22), a Master’s student in Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies at the university, said, “When we see what is happening in the United States and now in Australia, we really hope that it spreads here in France, as the academic world has a role to play,” indicating that the students want the university to condemn Israel’s actions.
Zoe (20), a Master’s student in Public Administration at the university, expressed her happiness about more and more students joining the universities. She added, “We hope that it spreads to all universities and beyond… We will not give up until the genocide in Gaza ends.”
Agreement with the Administration
Last Friday evening, the institution’s administration announced an agreement with the pro-Palestinian students, committing to an internal discussion by next Thursday where “all questions can be raised,” and suspending disciplinary actions against the protesters.
The administration of Sciences Po decided to close several buildings on its Paris campus and strongly condemned these student movements.
Jean Passer, the interim head of the college, in a letter sent to students and faculty at the end of a day of tensions in front of the institution, said, “Considering these decisions, the students pledged not to disrupt classes, exams, and all activities of the institution.”
The administration organized a meeting with student representatives last Friday morning and is facing criticism from part of the educational body for allowing police intervention on campus.
Commenting on the student movement, French Higher Education Minister Sylvie Retailleau said, “Yes to discussion, no to disruption.”
The ‘Palestine Committee’ at the university calls for “a clear condemnation by Sciences Po of Israeli practices” and “an end to cooperation” with all “institutions or entities” involved “in the systematic repression of the Palestinian people.”
Pro-Israel Supporters
Tensions escalated in the afternoon with the arrival of about 50 pro-Israel demonstrators chanting “Free Sciences Po” and “Free Gaza from Hamas.”
Some of them were masked and wearing motorcycle helmets, which led to a scuffle between supporters of the two camps in the presence of many journalists, but police forces moved to separate the groups.
Pro-Gaza students had earlier started removing garbage bins blocking the building entrance.
These students received support last Friday from several figures in the French left (France Insoumise), including French-Palestinian activist Rima Hassan, a candidate for the European elections.
Rima Hassan told the press that they carry “the honor of France,” repeating the words of the party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who sent an audio message to the pro-Gaza demonstrators to support them.
Clashes continued between the police and students opposing Israel’s war on Gaza at American universities, raising questions about the violent methods used to suppress protests that have increased since mass arrests at Columbia University last week.
