Squatters disregard Humboldt University's time limit.

Squatters refuse to meet Humboldt University's deadline.

From the evening until then, Humboldt University in Berlin is allowing the premises to be occupied by pro-Palestinian activists. The activists are determined not to give in. The criticism regarding the university's management comes from the CDU, whereas the SPD shows understanding.

A representative reveals that pro-Palestinian activists aim to occupy rooms within Berlin's Humboldt University until their demands are addressed. On the afternoon of a planned discussion event, they intend to negotiate with the university's administration about an extension of the occupation.

On Wednesday, pro-Palestinian activists staged their protest at the university's Institute of Social Sciences. The police stated that approximately 320 individuals gathered for an unscheduled rally as well. A total of 23 pro-Palestinian activists were arrested briefly by the police to ascertain their identity. The arrests consisted of 18 men and 5 women, and 25 criminal investigations were initiated. These investigations cover charges such as using symbols of unconstitutional organizations, causing property damage, and resisting law enforcement officers. One officer was wounded during the operation but continued to work.

The occupation is being tolerated until 6 pm during which time around 100 people from various Berlin universities remain at the Social Science Institute's occupied quarters. University spokesperson Christiane Rosenbach noted she couldn't confirm any specific upcoming actions or steps. In the meantime, Berlin police forced their presence outside the occupied building, where several protesters could be seen adorned in Palestinian scarves. "Free Palestine" banners had been hung on the edifice.

Speaking for the SPD, Senator for Science Ina Czyborra upheld the institution's stand to accommodate the demonstrators. She acknowledged the distinction between protesting students and squatters: "There is illegal incitement to hatred. And there is the desire to discuss prospects for peace in Gaza, for example." As Czyborra stressed, this fits within the range of freedom of speech in a democratic constitutional state. She added that the management would intervene against violence, anti-Semitic incitement, or property damage, and clear the premises "if need be."

Burkard Dregger, the CDU parliamentary group's spokesperson for internal affairs in the Berlin House of Representatives, dismissed the university's tolerance as misinformed. He argued that the occupation could be perceived as an endorsement of further criminal activities. "There is no room for hatred and anti-Semitism in Berlin or at our universities. We will not let these misguided activists exploit our academic institutions as a stage."

CDU spokesperson for science policy, Adrian Grasse, condemned the actions of the "irrational activists" tainting the esteemed reputation of German universities. He admonished against inaction: "We cannot tolerate them or look the other way; instead, we must bring those responsible to face justice."

The police union shared the sentiment: "Universities are places of exchange and discussion," emphasized spokesperson Benjamin Jendro. "This may be acceptable, but not outside the framework of democracy," he added, pointing out that anti-Semitic slogans, anti-constitutional posters, and a disruption of property weren't sanctioned by the university's autonomy for teaching and research.

The occupiers, represented by the student group Student Coalition Berlin, condemn Israel as being complicit in "genocidal policies." They allege that Israel is responsible for "ongoing mass murders" and demand "unconditional solidarity with the Palestinian people." They also call for Berlin universities to advocate for an immediate ceasefire with Israel, put pressure on the Federal Government, and impose an arms embargo and end all military, financial, and diplomatic aid to Israel.

The Middle Eastern conflict has transcended the academic institutions in Germany, with numerous protests targeting Israel's actions in the Gaza war and student-led campaigns of solitary for the Palestinians. The police had terminated an occupation at the Free University of Berlin weeks prior.

Following the massacre in Israel on October 7, the bodies of more than 1,200 people were left by the Hamas attack, and the casualties in the Gaza war eventually rose above 35,000 according to the Gaza-controlled health authority. While the figure is not a reliable source without proper authentication, it does not clearly specify the demographics between civilians and combatants.

For reference, a Gaza health authority report leans towards 35,000 deaths. Despite the figure being nearly impossible to verify, it has been circulated widely online. The Hamas-controlled authority claims that these casualties came as a result of the Gaza conflict.

It appears that the escalating crisis in the Middle East has now invaded German universities. There is an influx of protests condemning Israel's actions in the Gaza war, and students are demonstrating their solidarity with the Palestinians. Not too long ago, an occupation at the Free University of Berlin disrupted by the police.

The statement issued by the Student Coalition Berlin faulted Israel for "genocidal policies" and, in turn, demanded "unconditional support for the Palestinian people." They further pressed Berlin universities to petition for an immediate and unrestricted truce between Israel and the Palestinians, pushing for more pressure to be exerted upon the German government. The German government is called upon to apply an arms embargo on Israel and withhold all military, financial, and diplomatic aid to the nation.

This global conflict has now infiltrated German universities, sparking continuous protests against Israel's actions during the Gaza war. There have been several demonstrations of solidarity with the Palestinians. A past disruption at the Free University of Berlin was solved with police involvement.

Following the massacre in Israel on October 7, Hamas took responsibility for the death of more than 1,200 people. The Gaza conflict has resulted in over 35,000 casualties, a number which originates from the Gaza-controlled health authority. However, the precise number of deaths is difficult to verify due to the blurred line between combatants and civilians in this case.