Far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s comments on the bombing of aid depots in Gaza have sparked protests at Yale University, as students denounced his planned visit amidst the ongoing violence in Gaza. Ben-Gvir, who met with US Republican lawmakers at Mar-a-Lago, claimed that they supported bombing food and aid depots in Gaza to apply military and political pressure on Hamas and secure the release of hostages.
Among those reportedly present at the meeting was Congressman Tom Emmer, who has previously expressed strong support for Israel, blaming Hamas for the deaths of over 61,700 Palestinians in the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza.
Ben-Gvir, who did not meet with Trump during his visit, later planned to address a gathering at Yale hosted by Shabtai, a Jewish society at the university. However, around 200 student protesters set up an overnight demonstration, calling for a Free Palestine and denouncing Ben-Gvir’s planned speech. Protesters erected tents and chanted slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Yale, your hands are red.”
University officials warned protesters of disciplinary action, and the demonstration was dispersed by 11pm. In the aftermath, Yale College revoked the status of Yalies4Palestine, a student group linked to the protest, removing their ability to reserve spaces or request funding.
The protests at Yale follow mass demonstrations last year against Israel’s actions in Gaza, with students demanding that the university divest from military weapons manufacturers. Ben-Gvir’s remarks and planned visit continue to fuel tensions, as Israel’s assault on Gaza shows no sign of abating, with more than 61,700 Palestinians reported killed since October 2023.