University of Amsterdam students called for a complete severance of the institution's relations with the "Israeli occupation" on Monday, amidst their organization of a solidarity camp on the university campus to protest the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Photographs disseminated by Dutch media depicted approximately ten tents erected on the campus lawn, surrounded by university buildings. The students participating were notably donned in Palestinian keffiyehs.
At the site, two significant banners were displayed; one declared "Solidarity Camp with Gaza," and another urged a "boycott," marked with a depiction of the Israeli flag stained in a stark dark red.
This campaign is part of a growing trend of similar movements across Europe and the United States.
Police presence was noted at the event, where an organizer relayed to the Dutch news agency ANP, “We are here to press the university to cease its participation in what we view as genocide. This is not merely a two-day camping event."
A spokesperson for the university informed AFP that the tents were erected in a park within the Roetersiland Campus. "It appears they plan to stay overnight, which is against our policies. Should this occur, we will initiate a formal complaint," the spokesperson added.
Although two bridges leading to the site were closed, access remained feasible, reported ANP.
The news agency further confirmed the installation of twenty tents at the location.
Local television channel IT5 reported the presence of 200 students at the campsite and stated that academic activities were ongoing despite the demonstration.
The initiative, originating last month from universities in the United States, has since proliferated globally, protesting against the war launched by Israel on Gaza starting October 7.
In addition to the United States, academic institutions in Paris, Lausanne, Berlin, Montreal, Mexico City, Dublin, and Sydney have experienced student-led protests, which in some instances have been met with police suppression.
Source: Various news agencies