Pro-Palestinian Encampments Spread Across British Universities
Palestinian flags fluttered in the breeze above two neat rows of orange and green tents at Cambridge University on Thursday, where students read, talked, and played chess at a small encampment to protest the Gaza war. The scene was peaceful, with no police officers in sight, and activities like wellness circles and kite-making workshops taking place.
This pro-Palestinian movement has spread to 15 universities across Britain in recent days, but unlike the violent confrontations seen on American campuses, the atmosphere in the UK remains calm. College authorities are taking a more permissive approach, emphasizing the importance of protecting free speech even if the government is not entirely supportive of the protests.
At Oxford University, around 50 tents were pitched on a prominent green lawn, creating a campsite-like setting. Despite some initial challenges, such as water sprinklers being turned on to deter the campers, the encampment has continued with supplies of sunscreen, water, and other essentials available.
One of the protesters, Kendall Gardner, an American graduate student, emphasized the seriousness of their cause, stating, “This is very difficult, there is a lot of hostility being directed at us at all moments; we are running a miniature town, and this isn’t fun.” Gardner, who went viral in a video interview with Al Jazeera, highlighted the demand for divestment from companies linked to Israel’s military.
The protests have not been without controversy, as some phrases used by the protesters, such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” have raised concerns among groups like the Union of Jewish Students. Antisemitism has been a growing issue on British campuses, prompting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to address the matter with university leaders.
Despite the potential for escalation, the protests have remained peaceful, with police taking a less confrontational approach compared to the US. The focus of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Britain has traditionally been on public marches, but the encampments on university campuses are gaining attention.
As the protests continue, the hope is to create a space for dialogue and activism, while also raising awareness about the situation in Gaza. The peaceful nature of the protests so far reflects the desire for open public dialogue and the importance of freedom of expression.
