Pro-Palestinian student protests have spread across British university campuses, with students setting up encampments to demonstrate their solidarity with Gaza. These occupations, such as the one at the University of Manchester, involve students using tents and other temporary structures to voice their demands. The demonstrations are part of a broader wave of activism on university grounds, reflecting growing concern over the ongoing conflict in the region. The students’ actions are drawing attention to the conflict and pressuring institutions to take a stand.
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Pro-Palestinian protests disrupted the final stage of the Spanish Vuelta, leading to its early conclusion and the cancellation of the podium ceremony. Over 100,000 protestors participated in the demonstration, which included clashes with police and road blockades. The disruptions were largely a response to the presence of the Israeli-owned team, Israel Premier Tech. The race winner, Jonas Vingegaard, was confirmed despite the early end to the final stage, which was cut short due to safety concerns and protests against the war in Gaza.
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Columbia University has disciplined over 70 students for their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, including those at Butler Library and during alumni weekend. Sanctions include probation, suspensions (ranging from one to three years), degree revocations, and expulsions. The university stated these actions were necessary to address disruptions to academic activities, and the crackdown follows the implementation of new policies agreed upon with the Trump administration, including adjusted disciplinary processes and a ban on masks at protests in most cases. These recent actions echo similar disciplinary measures from last year’s protests, reflecting the university’s efforts to manage the impact of student activism on campus.
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On June 26th, approximately 150 pro-Palestinian activists breached a storage facility belonging to OIP Land Systems, a manufacturer of military equipment for Ukraine, causing significant damage. The activists, part of the Stop Arming Israel campaign, targeted the facility believing its equipment was intended for Israel, despite the CEO’s claim that the company has not produced defense systems for Israel in over two decades. Equipped with tools, the protesters vandalized vehicles and offices, resulting in an estimated $1.1 million in damages and delaying a crucial delivery for Ukraine by at least a month. The protest was motivated by Elbit Systems’ ownership of OIP Land Systems, an Israeli defense company, which protesters believe supplies a significant portion of equipment used by the Israel Defense Forces.
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Following 104 days of federal detention, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was released due to a judge’s ruling deeming his continued detention unusual given his lack of violent acts or flight risk. The government is appealing the release, though a separate immigration judge had already denied Khalil bond and ordered his removal. Khalil’s release follows the release of other scholars targeted for activism, highlighting a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests. The Trump administration’s attempts to deport Khalil stemmed from his role in these protests and allegations regarding his green card application.
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Anti-Hamas protests, now in their third day, have erupted in southern Gaza, with hundreds demonstrating against the group’s rule and the ongoing war. Videos show protestors chanting for Hamas’s removal, fueled by a recent interview where a senior official declared the conflict “eternal.” These demonstrations, although risky given Hamas’s suppression of dissent, mark a significant shift, particularly in southern Gaza where the group’s influence previously remained strong. Protesters, facing hunger, displacement, and relentless bombings, are openly defying Hamas, demanding an end to the conflict and a peaceful future.
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Swarthmore College police, acting on the college president’s orders, disbanded a four-day pro-Palestinian encampment, resulting in nine arrests. The demonstration, protesting the college’s investment in Cisco due to its ties to the Israeli government, led to interim suspensions for eight current and one former student. College officials cited safety concerns, violations of college policy, and a lack of willingness from protestors to negotiate as reasons for the forceful removal. The arrests and suspensions have sparked controversy, with students facing potential long-term consequences. This incident follows a pattern of crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism at various universities.
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Growing dissent against Hamas is evident in Gaza, with Palestinians openly protesting the group’s rule and blaming it for the territory’s dire crisis. Demonstrations featuring chants like “All of Hamas, out!” and “Hamas is garbage” highlight widespread discontent. Critics argue that Hamas’s actions have inextricably linked Gaza’s fate to its own, demanding the group relinquish control. This defiance underscores a disconnect between the global perception of Hamas as synonymous with Gaza and the reality of Palestinian opposition to its leadership.
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Berlin’s Immigration Office issued deportation orders to four demonstrators—two Irish, one Polish, and one American—for alleged involvement in a pro-Palestinian protest at Berlin’s Free University. The orders, connected to property damage during the October 2024 protest, lack detailed charges and have prompted legal challenges. Concerns exist regarding the legality of deporting EU citizens based on freedom of movement principles, while the deportation justification cited Germany’s historical responsibility toward Israel. One Irish citizen already obtained an injunction halting their deportation pending a full hearing, and others are pursuing similar legal action.
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Uday Rabie, a 22-year-old Palestinian, was tortured and killed by Hamas militants after criticizing the group and participating in anti-Hamas protests in Gaza. His brother, Hassan, stated that armed fighters affiliated with Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades abducted, tortured, and returned Uday, who later died from his injuries. The family publicly accused the Al-Qassam Brigades and shared evidence of Uday’s injuries and death, including a video showing him expressing fears for his life. While Hamas has previously affirmed the right to peaceful protest, they have not yet commented on this specific incident.
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John Q. Hosedrinker