Protests in support of Palestine gain momentum in Europe and US

Berlin police cleared a pro-Palestinian camp set up in front of the German parliament by activists demanding the government stop arms exports to Israel. The temporary camp, consisting of about 20 activists, was dismantled after police were called to the scene. However, the situation escalated as dozens of other people joined the protesters in resisting the police operation. Local media reported that around 75 people were arrested during the confrontation.

Meanwhile, in the United States, students protesting the Israel-Hamas war at universities across the country have dug in and vowed to continue their demonstrations. Some students have clashed with police in riot gear, leading to scuffles and more than 100 arrests. At Columbia University, negotiations are ongoing with a pro-Palestinian student encampment on campus. The university’s senate passed a resolution creating a task force to examine the administration’s leadership after police were called in to clear the protest, resulting in more arrests.

The decisions to involve law enforcement have sparked tensions at universities nationwide, with faculty members initiating votes of no confidence in their leadership. While these votes are largely symbolic, they add pressure on school officials who are already working to resolve the protests as graduation ceremonies approach.

In Paris, students at Sciences Po university blockaded a campus building, leading the institution to move classes online temporarily. Protesters occupied a central campus building and blocked the entrance with trash cans and wooden platforms, chanting slogans in solidarity with Palestinians. The protests come in response to administrators calling the police on students involved in demonstrations.