The United States is only hurting itself by trying to silence pro-Palestinian protests

It is disappointing that more than 900 students have been arrested at several universities and colleges in the United States over the past two weeks, because they were demanding justice for the Palestinians. Protesting Israel’s unjust war in Gaza, these students demanded that their universities divest from companies that have ties to Israel in any form. They want their educational institutions – and essentially their country – separated from Israel’s genocidal campaign against the Palestinians, and we stand in solidarity with them.

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, it has waged a ruthless campaign in Gaza that has so far killed more than 34,000 people. Even though the United States, as usual, stood by Israel, its university students wanted no part. They have held rallies, sit-ins, hunger strikes and, more recently, encampments on their campuses in protest. Things came to a head when, on April 18, police destroyed a pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus of Columbia University, arresting more than 100 protesters. Instead of being subdued, the students pushed back and similar protests spread across the United States.

Today, university administrations and police are repressing protesters, accusing them of anti-Semitism to justify their action. We do not understand how a peaceful demonstration demanding justice for a persecuted population can be described as anti-Semitic. In fact, what these protesters are being subjected to violates the principles of academic freedom and free speech, as the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) has pointed out.

The US government should pay attention to the demands of pro-Palestinian protesters. What we have seen so far is an extraordinary display of double standards and disregard for international and humanitarian laws in Gaza, and these students have attempted to draw attention to this. The United States must reassess its position toward Israel and adopt a stance that is moral and consistent with international humanitarian laws, not to mention its own stated human rights policy. The protection of the interests of one nation must not prejudice the freedom and well-being of another nation.