12-hour encampment at Western U draws more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators

Roughly 100 demonstrators gathered at Western University in London, Ont., on Wednesday demanding the university condemn Israel's actions in Gaza.

A pro-Palestinian encampment drew roughly 100 demonstrators to Western University in London, Ont., on Wednesday.

Located out front of the University Community Centre, the encampment began around noon and consists of multiple tents, signs and speakers.

Palestinian flags could be seen flying throughout the camp and signs call for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In a social media post, organizers demanded the university divest $39 million in military contractors and companies “complicit in the occupation” of Gaza, boycott entities complicit in the occupation and condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza.

In a statement, Western vice-provost John Doerksen says a dialogue has begun with organizers to ensure the protest remains peaceful.

“We have also outlined the activities that are not permitted on campus, including erecting tents,” the statement reads. “The group’s activity is proceeding peacefully. While dialogue and debate are welcome and encouraged – even on the most difficult topics – Western will not tolerate hate speech.”

Campus police are at the scene of the protest and continue to monitor it. Western is also consulting with London police, which is standard for unsanctioned gatherings.

Haneen Abed Elnaby was born and raised in Gaza and left shortly before Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack. She says everything went upside-down when she left.