Hundreds of UGent students leave class to protest violence in Gaza
Roughly 100 students gathered at the rectorate of Ghent University to protest against the ongoing violence in Gaza around 13:00 on Thursday. According to Ghent police estimates, the students left their classes to demand that the university sever all ties with Israel.
The protest is the latest development in a months-long debate at the university. Earlier this year, students occupied a campus building, prompting a response from university leadership. While the protest was eventually disbanded, the university pledged to tighten its human rights policies and reconsider certain partnerships. However, the students’ demand for a total boycott of Israel has not been met.
Carrying banners with slogans such as “No more lies, cut the ties,” the protesters expressed frustration with what they feel are unfulfilled promises from Rector Rik Van de Walle. They criticised two new university projects involving Israeli entities, which the university insists comply with its human rights policies.
In response, Van de Walle acknowledged the situation. “It is hard to expect me to applaud the abandonment of classes per se,” he stated. “After all, I am convinced that high-quality and pluralistic education such as that of our university contributes to solving complex problems such as the terrible conflict in Gaza.”
Van de Walle also reiterated his commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding. “I have always stated that social engagement is one of the core activities of our university. That is precisely why no time or effort was spared this year to consult with the activists. I applaud the social engagement of the activists and those who support their action per se. I can only express the hope that the actions will be organised in a constructive and respectful manner. Not least because many of us are very concerned about what is happening in Gaza.”
Ghent University is not alone in witnessing such demonstrations. Pro-Palestinian students at other Belgian universities also staged walkouts on Thursday to voice their concerns about the escalating violence in Gaza.
#FlandersNewsService |Occupation by UGent students in June 2024. © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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