Pro-Palestinian activists occupy UvA building; riot police deployed

Riot police were deployed Monday after dozens of pro-Palestinian activists broke into and occupied the Maagdenhuis, the administrative headquarters of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), RTL reports. Tensions escalated as riot officers moved in to control crowds and prevent further disruption. Around 5 p.m., police removed the last protesters from the scene, bringing the action to a close. After that, some demonstrators reportedly shifted their protest to other University of Amsterdam buildings.

The university said about 50 masked individuals forced their way into the Maagdenhuis at the start of the protest, blocking entrances and barricading emergency exits. The protesters are demanding that the UvA sever all ties with Israeli universities and pledge not to form new partnerships with Israeli institutions.

Outside the building, around 100 supporters gathered on the Spui, the square in front of the Maagdenhuis. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police in the afternoon. Riot police took up positions on the square and held a perimeter to keep protesters at a distance from the occupied building. A unit specializing in arrests was stationed near the main entrance, with demonstrators continuing to vocalize their support from behind a police cordon.

A group of about 20 protesters exited through a side door of the Maagdenhuis, only to be quickly surrounded by police, an ANP reporter observed. The protesters had made their way outside via an emergency exit on Handboogstraat, shortly after riot police entered through a door beneath the main entrance. Police had a key to that door.

In addition to the clashes, Palestinian flags were raised on the roof of the Maagdenhuis and above the main entrance. The protesters removed other banners inside the building.

“The UvA has now filed a formal complaint and has ordered the demonstrators to vacate,” said a spokesperson for Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema. “If they do not comply, police will proceed with eviction.” The spokesperson added that riot police were deployed due to damage to the property and public safety concerns.

“There has been destruction of property,” the mayor’s spokesperson said. “Offices have been broken into, surveillance cameras disabled, and emergency doors barricaded.”

The university said the identities of the intruders are unknown. “They are completely masked, wearing scarves, face masks, and sunglasses. We have no idea who they are,” a UvA spokesperson said. University staff working in the building were evacuated earlier in the day.

In Rotterdam, Pro-Palestinian activists caused significant damage at the headquarters of Allianz on Coolsingel. Video footage shared by Palestine Action Nederland on Instagram shows protesters smashing windows and spraying red paint on the office building during the night.

In their post, the group claims that Allianz is an insurer and shareholder of Elbit Systems, "the largest weapons supplier to 'Israel.'" Palestine Action Nederland argues that this makes Allianz "highly responsible for the genocide of Palestinians" and insists that the company must be held accountable. The group vowed to return if Allianz does not sever ties with Elbit Systems.

A spokesperson for Allianz expressed respect for all opinions but drew a line at "threats and criminal behavior." The insurer has filed a police report and hopes law enforcement will take action.