Liverpool students 'rename' square in Gaza protest

Liverpool students are taking part in a peaceful protest over the situation in Gaza.

University of Liverpool (UoL) students are in day three of a pro-Palestinian protest in Abercromby Square, a part of the University of Liverpool. They set out various demands to the university as to what they want and said they’re joining people who have "mobilised around the world."

Their demands include transparency over university investments and spending and no punishment (of students) for participating in peaceful protest. They have also asked that the University of Liverpool recognises South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice - which ruled Palestinians had a "plausible right" to be protected from genocide under the Genocide Convention - and calls for an immediate ceasefire.

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Joseph, a co-organiser and media and politics student, told the ECHO: "There's a genocide going on in Gaza and in response people have mobilised around the world to try and question the institutions that they're a part of and we, the students, are a part of that. Most people have seen the stuff that's happening in America and this is the British chapter of that global resistance against the genocide that's happening against the Palestinian people.

"Everyone here is committed to making sure the university does divest entirely from anything involved in Israel, so everyone here will be staying the entire length of this. We’re planning to grow, there will be more students coming and we’ve already seen that in the past two days.

"I’m sure you're aware how it’s grown in every other encampment. Students across the country support this and Liverpool will be a replica of that".

Students around the world have come out in support for the Palestinian people and demanded a stop to what they see as indiscriminate bombing which has led to the killing of tens of thousands of innocent children, women and men.

Joseph added: "We've liberated this space and we're attempting to fight for what's right against genocide, there’s always space for everyone to work together in that. Part of liberating the space means everyone is welcome to it and students are obviously where we’re drawing our support form, but staff are just as much a part of this University as we are, and have drawn support from them, we have drawn support from the public.

"Staff are supporting us, and they’ve been really good supporting us."

Another organiser, Sana, a computer forensics student, said: "When we first set up our encampment there were a few people who were Jewish and pro-Palestine with us. There was one lady who has been in the pro-Palestine movement for a very long time.

"She’s always made speeches on how she’s pro-Palestine and it does not affect her identity in any way shape or form as a Jewish woman and how anti-Zionism is not the same as anti-semitism."

Sana added: "We say the British government should recognise this genocide for what it is and to call for an immediate ceasefire and to haul all of the British arms out of Israel straight away. Stop arming Israel."

One student who did not wish to be named said they "do not understand the position of the UN", who they said "have not stood up to Israel in light of the ICJ ruling.”

Students involved in the protest have renamed the square Alareer Square in memory of Refaat Alareer, a prominent Palestinian writer and poet who was killed in an air strike by the Israel Defence Force in December 2023.

A statement from the University of Liverpool previously read: "A small group of people are occupying Abercromby Square in protest of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. This follows similar events on university campuses in the UK and US over the past few days and weeks. The surrounding area and University buildings remain open and fully operational at this time.

"The continuing violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza is horrifying. We sincerely hope for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The University remains focused on offering practical assistance to all those in our community who are impacted and to anyone who needs support. Over the past few months, we have met with staff and students to discuss issues and concerns and we are liaising with colleagues in other university communities nationally, to share best practice and ideas to provide support for all.

"The University of Liverpool unequivocally supports the right to participate in lawful, peaceful protest and Campus Support colleagues are monitoring the situation on Abercromby Square to ensure the safety of the protestors. We are also working to minimise disruption, particularly at this important time of year when many students are taking exams and assessments.

"Academic freedom, freedom of speech and teaching our students to think critically and debate difficult issues, are principles at the very heart of the work that universities carry out. We know that there are very different views on this conflict within our diverse community of staff and students. It is enormously important – and central to our institutional values – that everyone can debate issues freely, however difficult and divisive the subject matter. It is equally important that this is done with mutual respect for differences in opinion and within the parameters of the law."

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