Gent, Belgium - May 15, 2024

Storyline:
Students in Gent, a city in the northwestern part of Belgium, are holding demonstrations on campus to mark the 76th anniversary of Nakba, the massive exodus of Palestinians that occurred in 1948 following the establishment of the state of Israel.

Protesters at Gent University and a number of universities across Europe and the U.S. have been calling on their institutions to sever ties with Israel over its war in Gaza.

The students used a bike parade to mark the Nakba anniversary, with the parade kicking off at the university's UFO building, a site that has been occupied by protesters since May 6.

In a direct action, over 100 Gent students occupied a university building to demand transparency regarding the university's ties to Israel.

Since Monday, more than 60 staff and faculty members have joined the students and set up tents in the building's lobby.

The university's rector Rik Van de Walle said he shared the concerns over the underlying problems in the region, but added that third party collaborators that the university works with are subject to a thorough human rights test.

Protests have been taking place across a number of universities in Belgium mirroring demonstrations that have engulfed some high-profile academic institutions in the U.S. over recent weeks.

And in the Netherlands, the University of Amsterdam has shut most of its campus buildings for two days citing security concerns following protests on Monday.

The occupation in Gent isn't just focused on the situation in Gaza. Students also asked for more concrete steps taken by the university when it comes to its 2030 climate action plans.

University officials said that some occupiers have been invited for a meeting with the rector.

For over a week, protesters have been sleeping on tents or on mattresses on the floor. Some people have banged on the windows or ripped down posters, but protesters said they are unmoved though they are missing sleep.

Shotlist:
Gent, Belgium - May 15, 2024:
1. Various of protesters camping out on Gent campus;
2. Various of Palestinian flag hang on window; people talking;
3. Various of posters on window;
4. Various of protesters camping out on Gent campus;
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Joelle, Gent Students for Palestine (full name not given):
"We have clear demands with regards to our university committing to a sustainability plan, clear demands with regards to them cutting ties with Israeli institutions. And unless these demands are met, we are going to continue occupying.";
6. Various of protesters camping out on Gent campus.

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