French university students at top institutions like Sciences Po and Sorbonne in Paris have joined US-led protests in solidarity with victims of Israel’s war on Gaza. The students have staged sit-ins and demonstrations on campus, drawing backlash from the state and riot police.
Last week, students at Sciences Po occupied parts of the institution and blocked entry to a building before being confronted by riot police. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal criticized the actions of the students, calling them a “dangerously acting minority” trying to impose their rules. Despite threats of expulsion and police action, students at the Sorbonne University continued their protest on Monday, setting up tents and waving the Palestinian flag.
The protesters are calling for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza and demanding that their universities cut ties with Israeli institutions and businesses complicit in the conflict. Sciences Po has partnerships with several Middle Eastern universities, including Tel Aviv University, sparking criticism from students.
The decision to call in riot police to clear the sit-ins has sparked controversy in France, with some students and faculty expressing disappointment in the university’s response. The move has been seen as an attempt to prevent a similar encampment to the protests at Columbia University in the US.
The protests at Sciences Po and Sorbonne are significant as they represent a challenge to the French establishment and its support of Israel. The government is concerned that these protests could spread to other universities in France and is taking measures to prevent further disruptions.
The protests come amid heightened tensions in France related to the Middle East conflict, with public figures facing accusations of inciting terrorism for their statements on the situation. However, French civil society, led by students, continues to resist and denounce these actions.
While the outcome of the protests is still uncertain, students remain hopeful and determined to hold their universities accountable for their complicity in the conflict. They plan to continue pushing for an end to partnerships with institutions involved in “genocide” and to rally other universities to join the fight for Palestine.
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The key points of the news article are as follows:
1. French university students at prestigious institutions like Sciences Po and Sorbonne have joined US-led protests in solidarity with the victims of Israel’s war on Gaza.
2. Students have occupied parts of their universities, blocked entry to buildings, and faced backlash from the state and riot police.
3. The French government, including Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, has condemned the actions of students protesting and has threatened disciplinary action.
4. Students at Sciences Po are calling for an end to Israel’s war, cutting ties with Israeli institutions, and holding their university accountable for partnerships seen as complicit in the conflict.
5. The decision to call in riot police to clear sit-ins at Sciences Po has sparked controversy and criticism from students and faculty.
6. The protests at Sciences Po are seen as significant in challenging the establishment and representing a counter-model within elite institutions in France.
7. The government is concerned about the protests spreading to other universities and is taking measures to prevent further demonstrations.
8. The societal frictions related to the Middle East war have also led to police summoning public figures accused of inciting “terrorism”, further escalating tensions.
9. Despite the challenges faced by students, there is a sense of hope and determination to continue pushing for their demands and holding their university accountable.
In a comprehensive follow-up, it can be discussed how these protests and actions by French university students may have long-term implications on the relationship between France and Israel, as well as on the discourse surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict within French society. Possible future developments could include continued protests, further crackdowns by the government, and potential changes in university policies regarding partnerships with Israeli institutions. The article could also explore how these protests may influence public opinion and government policies in France regarding the conflict in Gaza.