In a continuation of unrest over the war in Gaza, pro-Palestinian activists clashed with police at the University of Amsterdam for the second consecutive day. The protest, marked by sometimes violent confrontations, saw police dispersing demonstrators who had blockaded university grounds. Following this, hundreds of protesters relocated to a nearby square where they continued to voice their demands for an end to the war, with some calling for the university to sever academic ties with Israel.
The extent of injuries sustained during the scuffles and the number of protesters detained by police remain unclear at this time. Meanwhile, at Utrecht University, located approximately 45 kilometers (30 miles) south of Amsterdam, students staged a protest by occupying a university building to denounce Israeli actions in the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Student-led demonstrations have been gaining traction across Europe, mirroring similar actions seen in universities in the United States where multiple encampments have emerged. The conflict in Gaza was triggered by Palestinian militant groups launching a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the taking of approximately 250 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military operation that, according to local health officials, has led to the deaths of over 34,700 Palestinians and caused widespread devastation in the Gaza Strip.
