GENEVA: Pro-Palestinian protests on Tuesday spread to three universities across Switzerland — inspired by similar student demonstrations that began in the United States and have since spread to campuses worldwide.
On Tuesday, demonstrations erupted at three prominent universities in Switzerland, mirroring calls from students around the world urging their institutions to sever ties with Israeli universities in response to the conflict in Gaza.
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) witnessed the initial surge of protests, as several hundred students occupied a hall last Thursday, demanding the termination of partnerships with Israeli academic institutions. Despite the students’ fervent appeals, UNIL issued a statement asserting its intention to maintain existing relations with Israeli universities. Negotiations between protesters and university officials are slated to take place later on Tuesday.
The movement swiftly extended to the prestigious Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where a group of students staged a similar occupation of the university’s hall. The protesters advocated for an academic boycott of Israeli institutions and condemning censorship at EPFL. Their rallying cry for solidarity resonated as they urged other universities to join their cause.
In Zurich, students at the renowned ETH Zurich staged a protest in the entrance hall, chanting “Free Palestine” and denouncing the use of technology in perpetuating genocide. Police intervened as tensions escalated, highlighting the intensity of emotions surrounding the issue.
Meanwhile, in Geneva, the Palestine Student Coordination at the University of Geneva (CEP-UnigGe) commandeered a university hall, adorning the space with Palestinian flags and banners. They called for an immediate cessation of ties between the University of Geneva and Israeli universities and urged university officials to prioritize the admission of Palestinian students.
The burgeoning movement in Swiss universities reflects a broader trend across Europe, where students in Ireland, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany have staged pro-Palestinian protests on their respective campuses. The demonstrations underscore a growing sentiment of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
