THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Police arrested some 125 activists as they broke up a pro-Palestinian demonstration camp at the University of Amsterdam in the early hours of Tuesday, as protests that have roiled campuses in the United States spread into Europe.
Police in the Dutch capital said in a statement on the social media platform X that their action was “necessary to restore order” after protests turned violent. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Video from the scene aired by national broadcaster NOS showed police using a mechanical digger to push down barricades and officers wielding batons and shields moving in to end the demonstration, beating some of the protesters and pulling down tents.
Protesters formed barricades from wooden pallets and bicycles, national broadcaster NOS reported.
Scores of demonstrators occupied a small island at the university on Monday, urging Amsterdam universities to break academic ties with Israel because of its devastating attacks on Gaza in the aftermath of the deadly Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas militants in southern Israel.
Biden speaks with Netanyahu as Israelis appear closer to major Rafah offensive
Games Wide Open unveiled as Paris 2024 official slogan
Games Wide Open unveiled as Paris 2024 official slogan
American soldier was arrested in Russia and accused of stealing from a girlfriend, US officials say
Emerging young talents carry forward traditional Chinese culture
Sanya optimizes processes of nucleic acid testing amid latest COVID
Woman, 62, is left baffled as she turns up to a hospital scan only to be told she's already dead
Chinese embassy issues security alert
How Queen Mary could look to Queen Silvia: King Carl Gustaf and his wife's 47
Farmers work in fields across China