Pro-Palestinian activists occupy another UGent building despite eviction threat

VRT NWS reports on the renewed occupation of a building at Ghent University (UGent) by pro-Palestinian activists, echoing a protest from two years prior. Approximately 20 activists have pitched tents in the UFO building, a site of a previous month-long occupation. Their core demand remains consistent: that UGent sever all ties with Israeli companies and governmental bodies. The university had previously promised to review and potentially end problematic collaborations, but activists argue insufficient action has been taken. This latest occupation, which began on April 22 at the Coupure campus and has now shifted to the UFO building, coincides with a Board of Directors meeting where new Israeli collaborations are reportedly on the agenda. UGent has issued an eviction notice, demanding the activists leave by the following day, but the group appears undeterred, relocating their protest to maintain pressure. The university is reportedly considering further steps, with a security agent already documenting the new occupation. This situation highlights the ongoing tension on European campuses regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with local student activism mirroring international discourse but often with a distinct urgency and perspective shaped by the university's specific institutional policies and historical context.

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No panic on board (...), everything is fine for us, as for the other three French people.