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From coast to coast, US university campuses are buzzing with passionate calls for peace as students rally for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and demand an end to US military aid to Israel. What started as campus encampments has now snowballed into a wave of demonstrations reaching the UK and France—despite political pushback and hundreds of arrests. But why now, and will these protests actually influence policy?
The Momentum Builds
Protesters argue their movement is about human rights, not hate. “This isn’t antisemitism—it’s anti-war,” says Robert Patillo, a civil rights lawyer. Yet critics, including some US lawmakers, claim the activism crosses into dangerous territory. Over 500 students have been detained nationwide, but the movement keeps growing—even as Israel greenlights a controversial plan to invade Rafah.
Experts Weigh In
Peter Kuznick, a history professor, compares today’s protests to Vietnam War-era student activism: “Young people are again forcing leaders to confront uncomfortable truths.” Meanwhile, Ray Baker highlights the role of social media in mobilizing Gen Z: “They’re connected, informed, and unafraid to challenge power.”
What Comes Next?
With pressure mounting, the White House faces tough choices. Will Biden address student demands ahead of elections? As CGTN’s Sally Patterson notes, “The world is watching—both Gaza’s fate and America’s response to dissent hang in the balance.” One thing’s clear: these students aren’t backing down.
What started as campus encampments has now snowballed into a wave of demonstrations reaching the UK and France—despite political pushback and hundreds of arrests. But why now, and will these protests actually influence policy?
