Pro-Palestine Students Occupy University Association Building in The Hague, Demand Boycott of Israeli Institutions

On June 4, a group of pro-Palestinian activists took over the University Association (UNL) building in The Hague, Netherlands. They are calling for universities to sever ties with Israeli academic institutions.

The activists displayed large banners on the building's facade, one of which read 'Boycott & divest,' while another accused universities of being 'complicit in genocide.' A UNL spokesperson described the occupation as 'fairly intimidating'.

Why this matters: The occupation of the University Association building in The Hague highlights the growing movement among students and academics to boycott Israeli institutions, which could have significant implications for international academic collaborations and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If successful, this boycott could lead to a reevaluation of academic relationships with Israeli institutions and potentially influence government policies on the issue.

The UNL has stated that it does not make decisions regarding university cooperation with other organizations, as this responsibility lies with individual universities. The association's primary roles include exchanging knowledge, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and ensuring favorable conditions for universities.

The UNL recently developed a directive for demonstrations, which some experts argue does not comply with the right to demonstrate. This has added to the tension surrounding the occupation.

In a related development, outgoing Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf has addressed questions and motions regarding protests in higher education. He emphasized that student funding should not be used as a tool to punish or reward students and stressed that higher education funding is intended to increase accessibility.

Protests are also ongoing at TU Delft, where the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering building is currently occupied. Additionally, protests at the University of Amsterdam in May turned violent, leading to clashes with police and multiple arrests.

The situation in The Hague remains tense while the UNL continues to consult with police to determine the best course of action. The activists' demands for a boycott and divestment from Israeli academic institutions have sparked a broader debate on the role of universities in political issues.

The occupation continues, with the focus remaining on how universities will respond to these demands and whether this protest will lead to any significant changes in academic collaborations.

Key Takeaways

• Pro-Palestinian activists occupy UNL building in The Hague, demanding boycott of Israeli academic institutions.
• Activists display banners accusing universities of being "complicit in genocide" and demand divestment.
• UNL says it doesn't make decisions on university cooperation, individual universities do.
• Protests also ongoing at TU Delft and University of Amsterdam, with clashes and arrests.
• Occupation sparks debate on universities' role in political issues and potential impact on academic collaborations.