Students at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) in Paris blocked access to the university to protest Israel’s war on Gaza. They demanded that the institution condemn Israel’s actions, joining a wave of similar demonstrations on college campuses in the United States.
Chanting their support for Palestinians, the students displayed Palestinian flags and wore keffiyeh head scarves as symbols of solidarity with Gaza. Many students expressed hope that the protests in the United States and Australia would inspire similar actions in France, emphasizing the role of the academic world in speaking out against injustice.
Hicham, a 22-year-old master’s student in human rights and humanitarian studies at Sciences Po, highlighted the importance of universities condemning Israel’s actions. Zoe, a 20-year-old master’s student in public administration, echoed this sentiment and emphasized the students’ determination to continue protesting until the violence in Gaza ends.
Despite the students’ actions, Sciences Po officials did not provide a comment on the situation. Reports indicated that police removed a group of students who had blocked the university on Wednesday night, leading to condemnation from left-wing politicians who supported the students’ demonstration.