University leaders have cautioned students planning pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the second anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks, warning that expressing support for a terrorist organisation is a criminal offence. Up to 10 events, including vigils, rallies and debates, are planned on or near campuses on Tuesday, with an inter-university march in London involving students and staff from several institutions.
The anniversary marks the Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and sparked the Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 65,000 people. Universities UK (UUK) wrote to members last week urging them to review security arrangements, calling the date a potential flashpoint after the attack on Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester.
Vivienne Stern, UUK chief executive, said: 'While universities must be places where contentious views can be expressed, we urge students and staff to remember that 7 October is the anniversary of an atrocious attack on innocent people, and that expressing support for a terrorist organisation is a criminal offence.' The London march, advertised on Instagram, calls for a walkout at 2pm, taking in King's College London, the London School of Economics, University College London, and SOAS.
Other events include a rally at the University of Sheffield by the Revolutionary Communist party, a protest at Strathclyde University by the Palestine Solidarity Society, and a debate at KCL titled 'Why it didn't start on October 7th'. Stern noted a 'deeply concerning' rise in antisemitic incidents and urged close contact with Jewish student groups.
Louis Danker, president of the Union of Jewish Students, said: 'Marking “two years of resistance” on 7 October echoes the glorification of the Hamas terrorist attacks. No Jewish student should have to stand by as others glorify a day that marks such loss for our community.' Prime Minister Keir Starmer also urged students not to take part in what he called 'un-British' protests, writing in the Times that such actions show 'a total loss of empathy and humanity'.
