Ghent (Brussels Morning) – Activists at Ghent University’s UFO building protest university ties with Israel. Rector ordered evacuation but activists remain creating art installation and negotiating with mediator.
Many activists remain at Ghent University’s UFO building despite the university’s demand to leave. Some of the central hall is cleared. Tents moved talks with Imam Benhaddou ongoing.
What is the Current Status of the Occupation at Ghent University?
Last Friday the Ghent University rector Rik Van de Walle ordered the evacuation of the university building due to activists entering without permission. Police arrested a dozen activists amid clashes. The activists claim security used violence while police state otherwise. The students protest since May 6 concerning Gaza violence and university ties with Israeli institutions. Van de Walle started eviction procedures but the situation calmed over the weekend. Police didn’t intervene, and occupiers remain.
They rearranged the tents and crafted a wooden structure inside the UFO building calling it an art installation. They describe it as a theater box symbolizing a learning environment. It’s a platform to express their needs and story highlighting the connection they share.
Rudi Neusbloem a spokesperson for the activists mentioned that tensions were high on Friday for both sides. This led to the rector requesting an eviction and involving a bailiff. Khalid Benhaddou was then brought in as a mediator on Saturday to facilitate a dialogue between the protesting students and the rector. The activists have great trust in Benhaddou, who also serves as a diversity and inclusion advisor at Ghent University. Ghent mayor Mathias De Clercq personally reached out to Benhaddou on Friday evening.
Mathias De Clercg
He is supported and respected by everyone. Mr. Benhaddou is the perfect person to enter into dialogue and arrive at an amicable solution
Ghent University Seeks Peaceful Solution to Israel-Palestine Protest
The mayor along with the rector’s office supports Khalid Benhaddou as a mediator to facilitate dialogue and find peaceful solutions with the activists. Negotiations are ongoing, with Benhaddou engaging with students, the rector, and the mayor. The activists are open to conversation and are not facing immediate eviction as talks progress.
The students have been camping in the UFO building since May 6, demanding that Ghent University cut all academic ties with Israel. While the university has ended some collaborations a full academic boycott hasn’t happened. The occupiers moved tents to ensure student access. The university assures that exams will proceed smoothly with any necessary adjustments communicated to students.
