Students Block Paris's Sciences Po University in Pro-Palestinian Protests, Standoff with Israel Supporters

Students at the prestigious Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) blocked access to a campus building on Friday in a pro-Palestinian protest inspired by similar demonstrations at U.S. universities over the Gaza conflict. The protest prompted the university to move all classes online.

Scores of protesters occupied a central campus building, while dozens of others blocked the entrance with trash cans, wooden platforms, and a bicycle. Later, pro-Israeli protesters arrived and faced off with the pro-Palestinian demonstrators, leading to the intervention of riot police.

The protest came two days after police broke up a separate demonstration at one of the university's amphitheaters. The students' actions were said to be inspired by similar demonstrations at Columbia University and other U.S. campuses over the Israel-Hamas war.

Why this matters: The protests at Sciences Po reflect the divisive nature of the Gaza war in France, which has the largest populations of Muslims and Jews in Western Europe. The demonstrations are part of a broader wave of student activism in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict.

The university administration condemned the student actions, saying they prevented the proper functioning of the institution and penalized students, teachers, and employees. "The university administration condemns the actions that are currently preventing the proper functioning of the institution," Sciences Po said in a statement.

The protesters, including a student named Louise, said their solidarity was primarily with the Palestinian people. Similar protests have spread to universities in France, Australia, and the UK, with students calling for their institutions to cut ties with Israeli universities and arms manufacturers.

The protests at Sciences Po echo the recent demonstrations on U.S. campuses, where there have been questions about the forceful methods used to shut down the protests. Hundreds of students and professors have been arrested across the U.S. at similar protests against the Israel-Hamas war.

Key Takeaways

• Students at Sciences Po in Paris blocked campus building in pro-Palestinian protest.
• Protest inspired by similar demonstrations at U.S. universities over Gaza conflict.
• Pro-Israeli protesters arrived, leading to riot police intervention at the university.
• Protests reflect divisive nature of Gaza war in France, part of broader student activism.
• Protesters call for universities to cut ties with Israeli institutions and arms manufacturers.