McGill University Shuts Down Pro-Palestinian Encampment Amid Tensions

McGill University closed its campus to remove a pro-Palestinian encampment, a reaction to global protests since the Israel-Hamas war began. The university's president described it as a site of violence. A student vowed to persist until the university ends ties with Israel.

McGill University shut down its downtown campus this Wednesday in response to a weeks-long pro-Palestinian encampment that had escalated tensions. Police were deployed in large numbers to facilitate the action.

University President Deep Saini labeled the encampment as a 'heavily fortified focal point for intimidation and violence,' largely driven by individuals unaffiliated with the university. Protesters, undeterred by pouring rain, evacuated, while bulldozers and security forces dismantled the site.

Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry supported the removal, stating it was essential to restore calm. Meanwhile, McGill student Zaina Karim emphasized that the protest would continue until the university severed ties with Israel. This movement is part of a wider North American trend, with students demanding divestment from entities linked to Israel's military activities in Gaza.