GB News Palestine Coverage: US Student Protests Demand University Divestment from Israel

Why are students protesting over the war in Gaza?

Since the 7 October attack by Hamas and Israel’s retaliatory assault, thousands of students at over 130 colleges and universities across the US have launched protests, rallies, sit-ins, fasts, and encampments demanding their schools financially divest from Israel. These students believe that their universities’ investments in Israeli companies or those doing business with Israel make them complicit in the ongoing war in Gaza. As a result, they are calling for an end to these financial ties and academic relationships with Israeli institutions. Despite the arrests of over 2,000 demonstrators and ongoing police actions, the protests persist, especially as universities prepare for graduation ceremonies.

Why Are Students Protesting Over the War in Gaza? Insights from GB News Palestine Coverage

The movement began in earnest last month when students at Columbia University set up an encampment on campus, leading to police intervention and further detentions. This sparked a wave of similar actions at other colleges. Although no US university has officially committed to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, some have previously cut specific financial ties. The protesters argue that while divestment may not directly impact the war in Gaza, it would highlight those profiting from the conflict and raise awareness of their cause. In response to the growing BDS movement, Israel has banned certain BDS groups from entering the country.

Has protesting worked?

GB News Palestine coverage has highlighted the intensity and scale of these protests, noting how student activists continue to mobilize despite significant pushback and legal challenges. The coverage underscores the broader implications of these protests, not only for university policies but also for international discourse on the Palestine-Israel conflict.