France: Sciences Po refuses to sever its partnerships with Israel, and students begin a “hunger strike”

While internal discussions raged on Thursday at the Sciences Po in Paris after its establishment last week in support of Gaza was banned, the administration refused to create a working group responsible for reviewing partnerships with Israeli universities, one of the demands of the mobilized students, according to French media.

In protest against this decision, which angered the demonstrators, some of them have already begun a “hunger strike,” until the Sciences Po Foundation pledges to hold a rejection vote before the Institute’s Council to investigate partnerships with universities that violate international law and human rights. Rights,” refers to the Palestine Committee for Political Science.

An initiative welcomed by Rima Hassan, the controversial LFI candidate for the European elections: “It is time to be responsible for your partnerships with Israeli universities. The complete and harsh boycott of Israel must continue, everywhere and by all means.” X (formerly Twitter).

Since 5am on Wednesday, several students have closed certain institutions in France, including the École Supérieure de Journalisme (ESJ), in continuation of measures implemented at the Sciences Po in Paris and the Sorbonne University. Classes have been canceled as exams approach. These obstacles mirror those in the United States, which have continued for several days.