Pro-Palestinian protests have erupted across Europe, with students taking a stand on university campuses from Amsterdam to Paris. The demonstrations come amid heightened tensions over the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
In Amsterdam, Dutch police arrested around 125 activists during the dispersal of a pro-Palestinian demonstration camp at the University of Amsterdam. The police cited the need to restore order after the protests turned violent.
Similar protests have occurred in Finland, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Britain, with demonstrations also reported in France.
Video footage from Amsterdam shows police using heavy machinery and physical force to dismantle barricades and disperse protesters.
In Berlin, protesters at the Free University set up tents in a courtyard, forming a human chain around the encampment to prevent eviction. Police have been monitoring the situation, with most protesters wearing masks and chanting pro-Palestinian slogans.
Students from Finland for Palestine solidarity group established an encampment outside the University of Helsinki, demanding the severance of academic ties with Israeli universities. Similar actions have taken place in Denmark, where students set up tents outside the University of Copenhagen.
University administrations have called for dialogue and respect for campus rules amidst the protests. However, activist groups have criticized the lack of concrete action from universities regarding divestment from companies linked to Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
In Italy, students at the University of Bologna staged a tent encampment to demand an end to the war. Similar protests occurred in Rome and Naples, with students expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
In Spain, students have occupied campuses in Valencia, Barcelona, and the Basque Country, with plans for further protests against the war in Gaza.
In France, demonstrations have taken place at various universities, including Sciences Po in Paris, where students gathered in support of Palestinians.
Overall, the wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across Europe reflects growing concerns and solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst ongoing conflict in the region.
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