The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) announced its intention to hold nationwide protests in response to what it labels as "imperialist and Zionist violence" inflicted upon Palestinians. This announcement was made during a meeting with HE Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine.
According to the SFI’s Central Executive Committee, demonstrations will occur at educational institutions across India on August 6 and 9, 2024. These protests aim to criticize the Israeli military actions in Gaza, which the SFI describes as acts of genocide. The federation reiterated its enduring support for Palestinian self-determination and justice, as reported in Edex Live.
The SFI highlighted the critical situation in Gaza, where an ongoing blockade has resulted in extreme poverty affecting 75% of the population. They also condemned the numerous military checkpoints in the West Bank, emphasizing the severe conditions faced by residents, particularly women.
In his address, the Palestinian ambassador detailed the dire consequences of the conflict, including the killing of journalists by Israeli forces and the widespread suffering in Gaza. He urged those advocating for peace to unite and leverage social media to spread truthful information and exert pressure to end the conflict.
The SFI’s planned protests reflect a broader international student movement in support of Palestine, similar to demonstrations at universities such as Columbia, MIT, and Harvard.