Cambridge Students Intensify Gaza Protest, Facing Injunction, While King's College Divests

Cambridge University Protest: Students Demand Divestment from Arms Manufacturers Amidst Gaza Conflict Students at the University of Cambridge have escalated their protests against the university's alleged complicity in Israel's actions in Gaza. The group, Cambridge for Palestine (C4P), has relaunched a protest encampment outside Trinity College, demanding transparency and divestment from companies like Elbit Systems and Caterpillar. Trinity College responded by issuing an injunction and erecting barriers around the encampment, stating that it was done to allow students to study and take exams without disturbance. However, this action has been met with criticism from the protesters and others who see it as an attempt to silence dissent. In contrast, King’s College, another of the university’s largest colleges, recently decided to divest from arms manufacturers and companies complicit in the occupation of Ukraine and Palestinian territories. A local resident, Craig, expressed concern about the university's lack of response to the students' concerns, stating, "They've had a long time to digest the simple message of stopping investment in weapons manufacturing." John King, a spokesperson for the encampment, emphasized the need for a political response, not just a legal one, stating, "They do not understand the political implications of their actions. They're only interested in the status quo." The protests highlight the ongoing debate surrounding universities' ethical investments and their role in addressing global conflicts. The contrasting responses of Trinity and King’s Colleges underscore the complexity of balancing freedom of speech with institutional concerns.