The confrontation between demonstrators and the police intensified at the foot of the James administration pavilion on the campus of McGill University where more than twenty pro-Palestinian demonstrators had barricaded themselves.
The group of students had barricaded themselves in response to the Israeli army’s escalating military strikes in Rafah and the university’s refusal to respond to queries regarding its ties to the State of Israel. This event takes place as part of the #Escalate4Rafah call to action.
The students then wanted to occupy the building as long as the university did not financially dissociate itself from the Israeli state. A large number of police officers were then dispatched to the scene and are currently entering the building to evacuate the demonstrators.
Dozens of students surround the building, forming human chains to stop the advance of the police. Around 6:30 p.m., officers from the City of Montreal police force (SPVM) burst into the room where the demonstrators were cloistered. Outside, the tension increased, pushing the SPVM to use tear gas.
Barricades are gradually being installed around the university building.
The McGill administration reacted following the intrusion of students into one of the buildings.
“Protesters are currently occupying the main administration building, located on the downtown campus of McGill University,” says McGill. Law enforcement as well as the University Security Service are on site. »