Francesco and Martin, both 22 years old, stand at the entrance of the historic headquarters of the Sciencespo faculty in Paris, waving a Palestinian flag. Throughout the day, they are obstructed by barricades made of trash cans, fences, bicycles, and wooden pallets. Both wear masks to conceal their identities and chant slogans in support of Gaza. Francesco explains that they cover their faces out of fear of disciplinary actions or being identified by the extreme right.
In solidarity with Gaza, several young people inside the building wear Palestinian scarves and masks, holding brochures demanding justice and criticizing the ongoing violence. Marie, one of the protestors, expresses concern about the repressive responses they face when denouncing the situation in Gaza. Nearly a hundred students have gathered in this symbolic location, protesting against the genocide in Gaza and supporting similar movements in American universities.
Some students have even spent the night inside the building, determined to continue their protest. The group demands the university management condemn the attacks in Gaza, lift sanctions against penalized students, and create a space for open debate on the issue. The protest has drawn attention from the political class and has caused the university management to close other locations and schedule meetings with the students.
The movement in France is reminiscent of the historical May 68 protests, drawing on a tradition of activism within the student body. The demonstration at Sciencespo has inspired solidarity from the political left, with members of the France Insoumise party joining the rally. Minister of Higher Education Sylvie Retailleau has called for debate but condemned any form of blockade.
The protest reflects broader concerns about repression and censorship around the discussion of Palestine, calling into question democracy and freedom of expression. The protest at Sciencespo has sparked a larger movement against the war in Gaza, spreading across American universities and drawing attention to the need for dialogue and accountability in international relations.