In Madrid, Spain, Palestinian flags are prominently displayed on campuses as students rally against Israel’s actions in Gaza, leading to class disruptions in Barcelona, Valencia, the Basque Country, and Madrid.
Similar demonstrations have emerged in various European countries, including the Netherlands, France, the UK, Finland, Denmark, and Germany, echoing the solidarity shown by American students facing police brutality.
In Amsterdam, authorities detained around 125 activists during the dismantling of a pro-Palestinian camp at the University of Amsterdam, citing the need to maintain order after clashes. However, in Spain, known for its historical support for Palestine, police have refrained from intervening in the protests.
Students like Maria Angeles Lopez, a 21-year-old psychology student at the University of Barcelona, emphasize the importance of taking a stand against the situation in Gaza and Israel’s actions, hoping to influence those in power.
Over 2,000 lecturers in Spanish universities have backed the protests, with scholars at the University of Malaga planning to join the demonstrations. The movement gained momentum after students camped outside the University of Valencia’s faculty of philosophy, demanding an end to Israel’s Gaza offensive, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 35,000 Palestinians.
Students of the Complutense University of Madrid set up a banner at a pro-Palestinian encampment [Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters]
Support from lecturers and peaceful protests mark the Spanish students’ solidarity with Gaza, urging for a reevaluation of the ongoing conflict.
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