Dutch Riot Police Disperse Pro-Palestinian Protest at Amsterdam University, Arrests 125

In a tense confrontation, Dutch riot police quelled a pro-Palestinian demonstration at the Roeterseiland campus of the University of Amsterdam, arresting 125 people who had refused to leave the location. The clash unfolded as protesters erected tents and demanded that the university sever academic ties with Israel. The scene mirrored similar protests in the United States and the United Kingdom, underscoring the global impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Why It Matters

The encampment, established during the day, escalated into a standoff as police, the public prosecution department, and the city council decided to dismantle the camp. The university had repeatedly requested that the protesters vacate the premises. Riot police moved in around 3 am, using a digger to break through barricades and clear the site by 4:30 am. The area was strewn with tents, personal belongings, and makeshift barricades, indicating the protesters’ determination to remain.

Video footage captured a group of masked men attacking the demonstrators, wielding pieces of wood and launching fireworks. Although their identities remain unclear, their actions added to the volatile atmosphere. The protest initially centered on demands that the University of Amsterdam cut academic ties with Israel and divest from companies linked to the country. The demonstrators also closed two bridges and blocked the entrance to the campus near the Nieuwe Prinsengracht.

Earlier in the evening, the university released a statement outlining its activities in Israel, emphasizing that student exchanges with Israeli institutions were currently suspended due to negative travel advisories. Additionally, the university collaborates on European research projects involving Israeli researchers or companies.

Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf expressed regret that police intervention was necessary, emphasizing that universities should be places for dialogue and debate. However, the clash highlights the broader trend of student protests related to the war and academic connections with Israel. While these demonstrations have spread across Europe, they remain smaller in scale than those witnessed in the United States.

In Paris, police forcibly removed student activists occupying France’s prestigious Sciences Po university. Meanwhile, over 100 students continue to occupy Ghent University in Belgium, combining climate and Gaza protests that they intend to prolong until Wednesday.

As tensions escalate on campuses worldwide, universities grapple with balancing academic freedom, safety, and political stances. The outcome of these protests could significantly impact institutional policies and relationships with countries involved in conflicts like the one in Gaza.

Key Takeaways

• Dutch riot police disperse pro-Palestinian protest at University of Amsterdam, arresting 125.
• Standoff unfolds as protesters demand academic ties severed with Israel, mirroring global protests over Gaza conflict.
• Riot police dismantle encampment after protesters refuse to vacate premises, leading to tense confrontation.
• Video footage shows masked individuals attacking demonstrators, adding to volatile atmosphere.
• Protest initially focused on cutting academic ties with Israel and divesting from related companies.