KU Leuven students to occupy university

The occupation will start tomorrow, May 13, at a still undisclosed location. The campaigners are protesting KU Leuven's ties with Israeli universities and companies.

As initial discussions between students and the rector proved unsatisfactory, the protesters decided to proceed with an occupation of university buildings. 'During our conversation, the rector stated that the University will be more cautious establishing future partnerships, but we find that approach insufficient', says spokesperson Samier Khaled.

The occupation will continue until KU Leuven commits to engaging in discussion or taking action: 'We told the rector on Tuesday (when the discussion took place, ed.) that more actions would follow.' 

Other universities 

Student protests at Belgian universities against academic collaborations with Israeli institutions have intensified in recent weeks. In Ghent, students proceeded to occupy university buildings. VUB and UAntwerpen students will join the occupation on their respective campuses from Monday 13 May onwards. At KU Leuven, student Hanna de Boe went on a three-day hunger strike to compel the university to sever its ties with Israel. 

In the meantime, KU Leuven has announced it will approach future Israeli partnerships with 'caution and restraint', following the recommendations of the university's ethical committee.

However, existing ties will not be cut, and that is where the shoe pinches according to the protesters: 'All collaborations with universities and institutions complicit in the genocide in Gaza should be ended immediately', they assert. This evening, the campaigners are organising a briefing at Alma 3 at 6pm for those wishing to participate. 

This article has been updated in light of recent events and slightly deviates from the original Dutch version.