UPDATE - Pro-Palestinian protesters have been occupying the footbridge over Erasmusplein since yesterday afternoon. Their demand: sever ties with Israeli universities immediately. Although the university had forbidden this, the protesters spent the night in the footbridge.

A group of around ten masked pro-Palestinian protesters has barricaded itself since this yesterday afternoon in the footbridge connecting the Lecture Hall Complex (Collegezalencomplex), the Refter, and the University Library. They have blocked access to the hallway. Large banners, displaying well-known pro-Palestinian slogans, have been hung in front of the windows.

In the lobby of the Lecture Hall Complex, another thirty or so protesters are seated, showing solidarity with those occupying the footbridge. ‘We have no intention of leaving until the Executive Board severs ties with Israeli universities’, a spokesperson said. ‘We’re done talking — for the past 17 months we’ve watched a genocide unfold while our university has refused to take any meaningful action.’

The university allowed the protesters to express their views until closing time — 7 p.m. — a university spokesperson confirmed when asked. ‘As long as the situation remains safe.’

Despite the university’s deadline expiring last night, the occupation continues. Earlier, a university spokesperson had stated that the university would file a report if the protesters did not leave.

Last night, the protesters were given an initial warning to vacate the building. They did not comply. Through a back entrance, they managed to bring in food and additional people. According to a message on the university’s website, the university had contacted the security triangle last night and a report was filed, but no evacuation took place.

The action began yesterday at 13:30, when forty students and staff members held a protest march across the campus. They walked from the Maria Montessori building to the Berchmanianum. The protesters said they wanted to talk with the board of directors, but security guards at the various building entrances blocked their way.

Advisory Committee

Once back at the main entrance, Executive Board President Alexandra van Huffelen and Vice President Agnes Muskens came outside to speak with the protesters. When asked when the Board would cut ties with Israeli universities, Van Huffelen replied that a decision would be made soon. ‘We will make a decision based on the advice of the Advisory Committee and additional information we receive — including input from you.’

‘The report has been available for two weeks already, so why haven’t you cut ties yet?’ one protester asked. ‘A decision will be made in the coming weeks,’ the President replied, though she declined to commit to a specific date.

‘Either you make a decision tonight, or we’ll be back here tomorrow — but with more people’, said one of the demonstrators.

After a brief conversation, the demonstrators walked back towards the Lecture Hall Complex, where a smaller group had by then taken control of the footbridge.

This report may be updated later.