As the world marks the first anniversary of the October 7, 2024 attacks in Israel, a wave of pro-Palestine activism has swept across Europe and beyond, thrusting universities, city streets, and even international waters into the heart of a divisive global debate. From the campuses of the United Kingdom to the bustling Raval district of Barcelona, and aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces, the events of October 2025 have underscored the complex intersection of solidarity, security, and free expression.
In the UK, universities are bracing for pro-Palestine protests on October 7, 2025—an anniversary that has become a flashpoint for both advocacy and anxiety. According to Universities UK Chief Executive Vivienne Stern, these demonstrations risk being misinterpreted as support for Hamas, the militant group that orchestrated last year’s deadly attacks in Israel. Stern’s warning comes amid a charged atmosphere, where the lines between championing human rights and allegedly endorsing violence are hotly contested.
“Universities must foster environments where students can express their views without fear of misunderstanding their intentions,” Stern stated, emphasizing the delicate balance institutions must strike between upholding free speech and safeguarding students. This is no small task. A report from the UK’s Commission for Countering Extremism found that 65% of Jewish students have reported experiencing anti-Semitism on campus—a sobering statistic that complicates the conversation around protest and solidarity. The risk, Stern notes, is not only to student safety but also to the reputation of higher education itself. “We need to ensure that the voices advocating for human rights are heard, but we must also be vigilant about the narratives that emerge from these protests.”
Historically, university campuses have served as incubators for political activism. Yet, in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the stakes feel higher than ever. The UK government has enacted laws designed to curb protests that incite violence or hate speech, forcing university administrators to walk a fine line. Some institutions have opted for caution, taking steps to prevent any displays that could be interpreted as support for Hamas, while others push for open dialogue, arguing that robust debate is the lifeblood of academic growth.
The National Union of Students has voiced concern that these laws could stifle legitimate activism, urging universities to support students’ rights to voice their opinions safely. Public sentiment is sharply divided: a recent YouGov survey showed that 53% of Britons sympathize with Israel, while 22% express support for Palestine. These numbers reflect a broader geopolitical divide, with many Britons viewing the conflict through the lens of historical grievances, national security, and humanitarian concerns.
Activists insist that support for Palestinian rights does not equate to support for violence. Dr. Sara Roy, a senior research scholar at Harvard University, argues, “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deserves attention and action independent of political affiliations.” This sentiment is echoed by numerous NGOs and human rights organizations, who emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a peaceful resolution.
To foster understanding, many UK universities are introducing educational programs, guest lectures, and workshops that explore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The aim? To promote empathy, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue. Some institutions have even formed committees to oversee protest planning, ensuring adherence to legal guidelines while protecting free speech. “Our goal is to create spaces where students can engage in meaningful discussions about these issues, learning from one another rather than becoming polarized,” Stern explained.
The significance of October 7 has not been confined to the UK. In Barcelona, approximately 400 people held a slow march in the Raval district on the same day, demonstrating in support of the Palestinian cause. According to ARA, the protest resulted in six arrests for resistance and disobedience, including one individual accused of attacking law enforcement officers. Three police officers were injured during the demonstration, highlighting the potential for volatility even in largely peaceful protests.
Meanwhile, the international stage has seen its own dramatic developments. On October 6, 2025, Israeli authorities deported 171 people detained for participating in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, among them the prominent Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. According to the Associated Press, Thunberg and other deportees landed in Athens to crowds chanting “Free free Palestine!” Thunberg, undeterred by her detention, told journalists and supporters, “That this mission has to exist, it’s a shame! It is a shame!” She went on to urge world leaders and ordinary citizens to end their “complicity” with what she described as the “genocide” being carried out against Palestinians in Gaza. “We cannot take our eyes away from Gaza,” Thunberg insisted.
The interception of the flotilla sparked large-scale demonstrations in cities worldwide, amplifying calls for humanitarian relief and drawing further attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Yet the aftermath also brought allegations of mistreatment by Israeli authorities. Lubna Tuma, a lawyer with the Adalah association representing over 470 detained activists, reported that 150 people remained held in Israel’s Ktziot prison, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela. Forty detainees had begun a hunger strike, with some refusing food and water in solidarity with Gaza’s besieged population. “Some stated that they prefer that their food go to the people in Gaza,” Tuma said during a briefing broadcast on social media. Others, she added, were refusing to drink water until all detainees received medical treatment.
Several activists gave testimonies alleging physical violence and humiliation during their detention—claims that Israeli authorities have strongly denied. Israel’s foreign ministry asserted that detainees’ rights had been respected and accused one activist of biting a female medical staff member. Roos Ykema, a Dutch member of the flotilla, told the Associated Press, “There was some dehumanizing and violence and shouting. But we got the European treatment.” North African nationals, however, reported harsher treatment. “The moment you show your Tunisian, Algerian or Moroccan passport, they start beating you,” said Moroccan activist Ayoub Habraoui, who described being kept kneeling under the sun for nearly six hours.
Governments from South Africa to several European countries have worked to secure the release and repatriation of their citizens. According to the Associated Press, South Africa’s government announced its citizens would be released and repatriated via Jordan, while other embassies coordinated with Israeli authorities to expedite activists’ return home.
Back in the UK, the events of October 7 serve as a microcosm of larger societal debates about free speech, activism, and the responsibilities of institutions in times of conflict. The challenge for universities—and indeed for societies worldwide—is to navigate these turbulent waters without sacrificing core values of dialogue, safety, and human rights. As Stern and others have argued, the way these protests are handled may set important precedents for the future of activism, both on campus and beyond.
This October, the world has been reminded that the struggle for justice and peace is rarely straightforward. The voices raised in protest, the clashes with authorities, and the international calls for accountability all point to a conflict that remains deeply entrenched—and to a global community still searching for answers.