Dutch police detained several pro-Palestinian activists who, on the morning of Monday, April 14, occupied a building at the University of Amsterdam, demanding that the institution sever ties with Israel.
Around 100 activists from the “Amsterdam Student Encampment” initiative entered the Maagdenhuis building of the University of Amsterdam, raised a Palestinian flag, hung banners from the windows, and lit flares in the colors of the Palestinian flag.
In addition, a group of about 200 protesters gathered outside the Maagdenhuis building. Clashes broke out in several places between activists and police, with law enforcement using batons against the demonstrators.
The “Amsterdam Student Encampment” demanded that the University of Amsterdam end all cooperation with Israeli universities.
After the university administration reported the incident to the police, protesters were given several hours to leave the premises.
When they refused, law enforcement entered the Maagdenhuis through a basement entrance. Amid loud chants from pro-Palestinian activists outside, police began detaining the occupiers one by one.
Similar protests took place last year at several European universities, with activists accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza.
