New developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict prompted two protests at UCLA today, drawing out dozens of students from both sides.
In recent days, the conflict between Israel and militant elements of the Palestinian political organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip ““ a small region bordering Egypt, controlled by Hamas ““ deepened with the exchange of fatal rocket fire and air strikes, The New York Times reported today.
About 100 students ““ including people from Students for Justice in Palestine and Bruins for Israel ““ gathered in front of Kerckhoff Hall to protest the recent attacks.
Holding signs reading “Free Gaza” and chanting, members from Students for Justice in Palestine spoke out against the Israeli military’s recent attacks in Gaza and Israeli influence in the region.
Dana Saifan, president of Students for Justice in Palestine and third-year psychology student, said the group hoped to educate students about the conflict in Gaza and called on the University of California to boycott and sanction corporations involved with Israel in the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Members of Bruins for Israel gathered to voice solidarity for the Israeli government’s actions and for the victims of rockets reportedly launched by Hamas on Israeli targets.
“Our goal … was to help tell the campus why Israel had to have this operation in order to defend its citizens,” said Jonathan Gilbert, a fourth-year political science student and the president of Bruins for Israel.
Today’s protest comes in the wake of larger discussion within the University and the state surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, and its impact on campus climate at UC campuses.
Compiled by Antonio Gonzalez and Taylor Aquino, Bruin contributors, and Katherine Hafner, Bruin senior staff.