Students across universities in the UK, including outside SOAS University of London, have set up tents adorned with Palestinian flags and slogans calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. These peaceful protests seek to pressure universities to disclose and divest from companies complicit in Israel’s illegal activities. The encampments have spread to universities like Warwick, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Cambridge, where students are participating in hunger strikes and teach-ins.
While these protests have garnered support from figures like Jeremy Corbyn, concerns about rising anti-Semitism have also been raised. Jewish students have expressed fears for their safety as tensions escalate on campuses. The solidarity shown by students at these encampments is a response to the ongoing conflict, with the determination to stay for “as long as it takes” to achieve their goals.
As debate ensues about freedom of speech and protest, these students are standing in solidarity with Gaza and calling for action to end the violence. Their resolve reflects a commitment to justice and support for those impacted by the conflict.