FALCON POWERS – Protests in support of Palestinians have been widespread across the United States in recent weeks due to the conflict in Gaza. Police have dismantled several encampments, often after confrontations between protesters and counter-demonstrators.
Other protest tents have been removed after universities agreed to some of the protesters’ demands, while some protests continue. What are the demands of the pro-Palestinian demonstrators?
Students at the universities where the protests have erupted have called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, divestment of university investments from arms suppliers and other companies benefiting from the war, and amnesty for students and faculty who have faced disciplinary actions or expulsion due to their protests. The students are protesting against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which began after an attack by the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Israel on October 7th, resulting in Israel claiming the deaths of 1,200 people. Gaza health authorities claim that Israel killed over 34,000 in its military response. Who are the pro-Palestinian protesters?
Pro-Palestinian protests attract students and faculty members from diverse backgrounds, including Islamic and Jewish faiths. Organized groups involved in the protests include “Students for Justice in Palestine” and “Jewish Voice for Peace.”
The encampments also feature interfaith prayers, musical performances, and a variety of educational programs.
Organizers deny responsibility for violence against pro-Israeli demonstrators, but some Jewish students have expressed feeling unsafe on campus and concern about chants they describe as anti-Semitic.
