Students block Paris' Sciences Po university over Gaza war

By REUTERS

Published: APRIL 26, 2024 15:07

A general view of the occupied building of the Sciences Po University by masked youths in support of Palestinians in Gaza, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Paris, France, France, April 26, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/BENOIT TESSIER) — A general view of the occupied building of the Sciences Po University by masked youths in support of Palestinians in Gaza, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Paris, France, France, April 26, 2024.

(photo credit: REUTERS/BENOIT TESSIER)

Science Po's interim director, Jean Basseres, condemned the blockade of the building in a letter to teachers.

Students blocked access to Paris' prestigious Sciences Po university over the war in Gaza on Friday, demanding the institution condemn Israel's actions, in a protest that echoed similar demonstrations on US campuses.

Chanting their support for the Palestinians, the students displayed Palestinian flags at windows and over the building's entrance. Several wore the black-and-white keffiyeh head scarf that has become an emblem of solidarity with Gaza.

"When we see what is happening in the United States, and now in Australia, we're really hoping it will catch on here in France, the academic world has a role to play," said 22-year-old Hicham, a masters student in human rights and humanitarian studies at Sciences Po.

Accusations Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza

The students, he said, want Sciences Po to condemn Israel's actions.

"We hope that will spread to all universities and beyond ... we won't give in until the genocide in Gaza ends," said 20-year-old Zoe, a masters student in public administration at Sciences Po.

Masked youths take part in the occupation of a building of the Sciences Po University and block the entry in support of Palestinians in Gaza, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Paris, France, France, April 26, 2024. (credit: BENOIT TESSIER/REUTERS)

Science Po's interim director, Jean Basseres, condemned the blockade of the building in a letter to teachers.

He confirmed that on Wednesday night, police removed a first group of students, adding that he was now talking with student representatives to try and find a solution to the new blockade.

Renewed clashes between police and students opposed to Israel's war in Gaza broke out on US campuses Thursday, raising questions about forceful methods being used to shut down protests that have intensified since mass arrests at Columbia University last week.