Belgium's University of Ghent (UGent) is ending its partnership&nbsp;with three Israeli educational or research institutions, as these affiliations no longer align with UGent's human rights policy, according to its rector.

The pro-Palestinian protesters in Ghent have been protesting against Israel's military offensive in Gaza and have been encamping parts of the university since early this month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protest-uc-irvine-protests-lead-to-police-action-721923">Pro-Palestinian protest: University Irvine demonstration leads to police action, several arrested</a>

The university's rector, Rik Van de Walle, said in a statement on Friday (May 17), “we are cutting ties with Holon Institute of Technology, MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, and the Volcani Center, which carries out agricultural research.”

"We currently assess these three partners as (very) problematic according to the Ghent University human rights test, in contrast to the positive evaluation we gave these partners at the start of our collaboration", Van de Walle added.

Partnerships with MIGAL Galilee Research Institute and the Volcani Centre were no longer pleasing due to their affiliation with Israeli ministries, an investigation by the University of Ghent found, and collaboration with the Holon Institute "was problematic" because it provided material support to the army for actions in Gaza.

A spokesperson for the university said the move would affect four projects.

However the three Israeli institutions did not immediately comment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-defence-min-opposes-bibi-endorses-non-hostile-palestinian-governing-alternative-for-gaza-post-war-721912">Israeli defence min opposes Bibi over 'Israeli military rule' in Gaza post-war</a>

The protesters informed Belgian broadcaster VRT that they welcomed the decision but viewed it as merely a first step. They pledged to continue to occupy parts of the university "until UGent severs all ties with Israeli institutions."

The actions mirror those of students in the United States and elsewhere in Europe, calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire and for schools to cut financial ties with companies they say are profiting from what they regard as the oppression of Palestinians.

<h2>Pro-Palestinian protest at University Irvine</h2>

Police took back control of a lecture hall from pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a building at the University of California, Irvine on Wednesday (May 15).

Sergeant Karie Davies, spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department informed, “The operation resulted in some people being handcuffed.”

University labeled the protest as "violent" before regaining control of the building in under four hours.&nbsp;

The demonstration is part of a nationwide wave of campus protests against the Gaza conflict. Activists are urging a ceasefire, civilian protection, and university divestment from Israeli interests.

On Wednesday 200 to 300 protesters took over the lecture hall when no classes were in session, Vasich said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pm-robert-fico-not-in-life-threatening-situation-dy-pm-gives-update-721901">Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update</a>

University Chancellor Howard Gillman informed that the university is in talks with protesting students since the encampment was set up but is unable to reach an agreement to find a&nbsp;non-disruptive alternative site.

Gillman has said the university cannot selectively decide against enforcing rules and that "The University of California has made it clear it will not divest from Israel."

(With inputs from agencies)

Belgium's University of Ghent (UGent) is ending its partnership with three Israeli educational or research institutions, as these affiliations no longer align with UGent's human rights policy, according to its rector.

Belgium's University of Ghent (UGent) is ending its partnership with three Israeli educational or research institutions, as these affiliations no longer align with UGent's human rights policy, according to its rector. The pro-Palestinian protesters in Ghent have been protesting against Israel's military offensive in Gaza and have been encamping parts of the university since early this month. Also read: Pro-Palestinian protest: University Irvine demonstration leads to police action, several arrested The university's rector, Rik Van de Walle, said in a statement on Friday (May 17), “we are cutting ties with Holon Institute of Technology, MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, and the Volcani Center, which carries out agricultural research.” "We currently assess these three partners as (very) problematic according to the Ghent University human rights test, in contrast to the positive evaluation we gave these partners at the start of our collaboration", Van de Walle added. Partnerships with MIGAL Galilee Research Institute and the Volcani Centre were no longer pleasing due to their affiliation with Israeli ministries, an investigation by the University of Ghent found, and collaboration with the Holon Institute "was problematic" because it provided material support to the army for actions in Gaza. A spokesperson for the university said the move would affect four projects. However the three Israeli institutions did not immediately comment. Also read: Israeli defence min opposes Bibi over 'Israeli military rule' in Gaza post-war The protesters informed Belgian broadcaster VRT that they welcomed the decision but viewed it as merely a first step. They pledged to continue to occupy parts of the university "until UGent severs all ties with Israeli institutions." The actions mirror those of students in the United States and elsewhere in Europe, calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire and for schools to cut financial ties with companies they say are profiting from what they regard as the oppression of Palestinians. Pro-Palestinian protest at University Irvine Police took back control of a lecture hall from pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a building at the University of California, Irvine on Wednesday (May 15). Sergeant Karie Davies, spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department informed, “The operation resulted in some people being handcuffed.” University labeled the protest as "violent" before regaining control of the building in under four hours. The demonstration is part of a nationwide wave of campus protests against the Gaza conflict. Activists are urging a ceasefire, civilian protection, and university divestment from Israeli interests. On Wednesday 200 to 300 protesters took over the lecture hall when no classes were in session, Vasich said. Also Read | Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update University Chancellor Howard Gillman informed that the university is in talks with protesting students since the encampment was set up but is unable to reach an agreement to find a non-disruptive alternative site. Gillman has said the university cannot selectively decide against enforcing rules and that "The University of California has made it clear it will not divest from Israel." (With inputs from agencies)

University of Ghent in Belgium cuts ties with three Israeli institutions

Police took back control of a lecture hall from pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a building at the University of California, Irvine&nbsp;on Wednesday (May 15).

According to a university spokesperson, Police officers from about 10 nearby law-enforcement agencies converged on the campus after university officials requested help.

Sergeant Karie Davies, spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department informed, “The operation resulted in some people being handcuffed.”

<img alt="University protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="483fc031-d11f-4f8f-889b-d8702d2641c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2829%29.png" />

However the police declined to disclose the arrest count until it was complete.

"The police have retaken the lecture hall," UC Irvine spokesperson Tom Vasich said by telephone. "I do not have confirmation of it, but I do see police officers up in the second-floor balcony and around the front of the building."

The banners that were hung from the balconies were taken down, Vasich added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-defence-min-opposes-bibi-endorses-non-hostile-palestinian-governing-alternative-for-gaza-post-war-721912">Israeli defence min opposes Bibi over 'Israeli military rule' in Gaza post-war</a>

University labeled the&nbsp;protest as "violent" before regaining control of the building in under four hours.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;demonstration is part of a nationwide wave of campus protests against the Gaza conflict. Activists are urging a ceasefire, civilian protection, and university divestment from Israeli interests.

On Wednesday 200 to 300 protesters took over the lecture hall when no classes were in session, Vasich said.

A police officer on a loudspeaker warned the crowd that they had formed an unauthorised assembly and risked arrest if they remained, the Orange County Register reported.

One banner hanging&nbsp;from the building declared the site, ‘Alex Odeh Hall,’ honouring a Palestinian activist who was killed in a 1985 office bombing in the nearby city of Santa Ana.

<img alt="Irvine protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41b6eb65-4fa4-48d5-8fd2-37f51816b175" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2828%29_3.png" />

University Chancellor Howard Gillman informed that the university is in talks with protesting students since the encampment was set up but is unable to reach an agreement to find an non-disruptive alternative site.

Gillman has said the university cannot selectively decide against enforcing rules and that "The University of California has made it clear it will not divest from Israel."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pm-robert-fico-not-in-life-threatening-situation-dy-pm-gives-update-721901">Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update</a>

"Encampment protesters are calling for measures that could likely restrict faculty's academic freedom, free speech rights for students and faculty, and the civil liberties of Jewish students," Gillman said on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police took back control of a lecture hall from pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a building at the University of California, Irvine on Wednesday (May 15).

Police took back control of a lecture hall from pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a building at the University of California, Irvine on Wednesday (May 15). According to a university spokesperson, Police officers from about 10 nearby law-enforcement agencies converged on the campus after university officials requested help. Sergeant Karie Davies, spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department informed, “The operation resulted in some people being handcuffed.” However the police declined to disclose the arrest count until it was complete. "The police have retaken the lecture hall," UC Irvine spokesperson Tom Vasich said by telephone. "I do not have confirmation of it, but I do see police officers up in the second-floor balcony and around the front of the building." The banners that were hung from the balconies were taken down, Vasich added. Also read: Israeli defence min opposes Bibi over 'Israeli military rule' in Gaza post-war University labeled the protest as "violent" before regaining control of the building in under four hours. The demonstration is part of a nationwide wave of campus protests against the Gaza conflict. Activists are urging a ceasefire, civilian protection, and university divestment from Israeli interests. On Wednesday 200 to 300 protesters took over the lecture hall when no classes were in session, Vasich said. A police officer on a loudspeaker warned the crowd that they had formed an unauthorised assembly and risked arrest if they remained, the Orange County Register reported. One banner hanging from the building declared the site, ‘Alex Odeh Hall,’ honouring a Palestinian activist who was killed in a 1985 office bombing in the nearby city of Santa Ana. University Chancellor Howard Gillman informed that the university is in talks with protesting students since the encampment was set up but is unable to reach an agreement to find an non-disruptive alternative site. Gillman has said the university cannot selectively decide against enforcing rules and that "The University of California has made it clear it will not divest from Israel." Also Read | Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update "Encampment protesters are calling for measures that could likely restrict faculty's academic freedom, free speech rights for students and faculty, and the civil liberties of Jewish students," Gillman said on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestinian protest: University Irvine demonstration leads to police action, several arrested

The ongoing student protests demanding that universities cut ties with Israel over the Gaza war have spread across Europe, resulting in clashes and arrests as new protests broke out in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria.

The protesting students at various European universities, inspired by ongoing demonstrations at US campuses, have been occupying halls and facilities, demanding an end to partnerships with Israeli institutions because of the assault on Gaza.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-reopens-kerem-shalom-border-crossing-for-gaza-aid-supply-719244">Israel reopens Kerem Shalom border crossing for Gaza aid supply</a>

Israel earlier launched a major military offensive against the Hamas forces in Rafah, where 1.4 million Palestinians have sought shelter currently.

On the other hand, the United States halted the delivery of bombs to Israel due to concerns that it was planning to launch a full-scale attack on Rafah.

According to Dutch police, 169 people had been arrested on Monday (May 6) when they broke up an encampment at the University of Amsterdam. Police were seen baton-charging protesters and smashing up their tents.

Hundreds of protesters calling for a ceasefire resumed&nbsp;demonstration on Tuesday evening around the university campus amid a heavy police presence.

As per the police, a pro-Israeli counter-protest involving about 40 people also took place in the area. Criminal proceedings have been initiated against 13 people.

Berlin

Earlier at Berlin’s Free University, police cleared a protest where protesters wore the keffiyeh scarf that has long been a symbol of the Palestinian cause.

As the&nbsp;protesters tried to enter rooms and lecture halls to occupy them, the university called in the police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-halts-bomb-shipment-to-israel-to-signal-concerns-over-rafah-invasion-719158">US halts bomb shipment to Israel amid signs of full-scale Rafah invasion</a>

The university said in a statement that the property was damaged while classes in some buildings were suspended for the day.

Paris

Police on Tuesday twice intervened at Paris’s Sciences Po University to disperse about 20 students who had locked themselves in the university’s main hall.

Police intervened to let other students take their exams and also made two arrests, according to Paris prosecutors. The university said the exams were able to proceed without any arrests.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;at a nearby Sorbonne University building, police removed about a hundred students who had occupied an amphitheatre for hours to protest against the war.

Switzerland

Protests spread to three universities in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strike-in-gaza-city-kills-7-several-reported-wounded-as-humanitarian-crisis-deepens-719138">Israeli strike in Gaza city kills 7, several reported wounded</a>

The University of Lausanne said in a statement that it “considers that there is no reason to cease these relations” with Israeli universities, as protesters demand.

Austria

Dozens of protesters were protesting at Vienna University, putting up tents,&nbsp;holding&nbsp;banners and calling&nbsp;for a ceasefire.

Belgium&nbsp;

More than 100 students occupied Ghent University&nbsp;in Belgium&nbsp;as part of both a climate and a Gaza protest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-take-control-of-gaza-side-of-rafah-crossing-aid-flow-impacted-719023">Humanitarian aid flow impacted as Israeli forces take control of Gaza side of Rafah crossing</a>

Protests were also reported at various universities in other European countries including Ireland, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain and the UK.

Clashes also broke out between police and protesters during a pro-Palestinian rally in central Athens. More than 300 people carrying Palestinian flags and banners rallied outside the parliament building in the Greek capital.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The ongoing student protests demanding that universities cut ties with Israel over the Gaza war have spread across Europe, resulting in clashes and arrests as new protests broke out in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria.

The ongoing student protests demanding that universities cut ties with Israel over the Gaza war have spread across Europe, resulting in clashes and arrests as new protests broke out in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria. The protesting students at various European universities, inspired by ongoing demonstrations at US campuses, have been occupying halls and facilities, demanding an end to partnerships with Israeli institutions because of the assault on Gaza. Also read: Israel reopens Kerem Shalom border crossing for Gaza aid supply Israel earlier launched a major military offensive against the Hamas forces in Rafah, where 1.4 million Palestinians have sought shelter currently. On the other hand, the United States halted the delivery of bombs to Israel due to concerns that it was planning to launch a full-scale attack on Rafah. According to Dutch police, 169 people had been arrested on Monday (May 6) when they broke up an encampment at the University of Amsterdam. Police were seen baton-charging protesters and smashing up their tents. Hundreds of protesters calling for a ceasefire resumed demonstration on Tuesday evening around the university campus amid a heavy police presence. As per the police, a pro-Israeli counter-protest involving about 40 people also took place in the area. Criminal proceedings have been initiated against 13 people. Berlin Earlier at Berlin’s Free University, police cleared a protest where protesters wore the keffiyeh scarf that has long been a symbol of the Palestinian cause. As the protesters tried to enter rooms and lecture halls to occupy them, the university called in the police. Also read: US halts bomb shipment to Israel amid signs of full-scale Rafah invasion The university said in a statement that the property was damaged while classes in some buildings were suspended for the day. Paris Police on Tuesday twice intervened at Paris’s Sciences Po University to disperse about 20 students who had locked themselves in the university’s main hall. Police intervened to let other students take their exams and also made two arrests, according to Paris prosecutors. The university said the exams were able to proceed without any arrests. Meanwhile, at a nearby Sorbonne University building, police removed about a hundred students who had occupied an amphitheatre for hours to protest against the war. Switzerland Protests spread to three universities in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday. Also read: Israeli strike in Gaza city kills 7, several reported wounded The University of Lausanne said in a statement that it “considers that there is no reason to cease these relations” with Israeli universities, as protesters demand. Austria Dozens of protesters were protesting at Vienna University, putting up tents, holding banners and calling for a ceasefire. Belgium More than 100 students occupied Ghent University in Belgium as part of both a climate and a Gaza protest. Also read | Humanitarian aid flow impacted as Israeli forces take control of Gaza side of Rafah crossing Protests were also reported at various universities in other European countries including Ireland, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain and the UK. Clashes also broke out between police and protesters during a pro-Palestinian rally in central Athens. More than 300 people carrying Palestinian flags and banners rallied outside the parliament building in the Greek capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestinian protests spark clashes and arrests across European campuses

US witnessed another day of campus chaos. A lot of action took place at the University of California Los Angeles before dawn. Police in large numbers entered the campus to disperse the protesters. They cleared a Gaza protest encampment, where violent clashes took place a day before. President Joe Biden has condemned the violence, saying only peaceful protests is protected. Watch in for more details!

Biden backs peaceful protest, denounces campus 'chaos'

Biden on campus chaos: dissent must never lead to disorder

US President Joe Biden delivered an unscheduled remarks on Thursday from the White House in his first public condemnation of the escalating protests sweeping college campuses across the country. Listen in.

US President Joe Biden condemns ‘chaos’ amid tense campus protests