The war on Gaza sparked a global student movement for Palestine solidarity, with over 525 academic institutions in the US and 35 countries participating in protests and encampments. Led by groups like Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine, students demanded divestment from Israeli companies and academic ties with Israel.
Various universities responded, with Trinity College in Ireland divesting from Israeli companies, Kings College London halting investments in arms manufacturers linked to Israel, and the University of Copenhagen divesting from companies operating in the occupied West Bank. Harvard University faced student pressure to engage in discussions about their investments in Israeli companies.
Additionally, universities like the University of Helsinki and Ghent University suspended exchanges with Israeli institutions, while the University of Barcelona and the University of California, Riverside severed ties with Israel. The American Association of University Professors reversed its policy on academic boycotts, acknowledging their legitimacy under certain circumstances.
Despite summer break, students plan to continue protests in the fall, with a commitment to fight until victory for Palestine is achieved. The global student movement for Palestine solidarity has made significant strides in holding institutions accountable and advocating for justice.