Amidst the spread of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses throughout the United States, resulting in numerous arrests, young Palestinians in the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip expressed gratitude for the support from America. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, denounced the protests as antisemitic, drawing parallels to gatherings in Germany nearly a century ago, during the rise of the Nazi party fueled by anti-Jewish sentiments.
Former Al Aqsa University student Fida Afifi had to flee Gaza City to Rafah in southern Gaza due to the war triggered by Hamas' violent attack on Israel on October 7. Alongside approximately 1.5 million Palestinians, she sought refuge from the conflict.
On Wednesday, Afifi conveyed her appreciation for the solidarity shown by American youth, nearly 6,000 miles away.
"I commend the American university students who are protesting against Netanyahu's administration and the U.S. government. Their actions are commendable, and I respect them for it. I urge students worldwide to stand up against oppressive governments," she stated.
Displaced Student in Gaza Speaks Out
Essam el-Demasy, a student who was on the brink of completing his business degree before the war in Gaza, now finds himself in a camp for displaced people in southern Gaza. He expressed his despair, stating that he had lost his "hopes and dreams" due to the ongoing conflict.
El-Demasy extended his gratitude to students worldwide, especially in the U.S., for their support during these difficult times. He emphasized the impact of the war on the community, describing it as a "genocide on all levels."
Netanyahu Condemns U.S. Protests
In a video statement released on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the recent protests in the U.S., labeling them as "horrific" acts of antisemitism. He drew parallels to anti-Jewish rallies in Germany during the 1930s, comparing the situation to the rise of the Nazi party.
Netanyahu expressed concern over the alleged attacks on Jewish students and faculty in American universities, accusing the protesters of calling for the annihilation of Israel.
"It's unconscionable," said the veteran Israeli politician who, to secure his current third term in office two years ago partnered with some of his country's most extreme, ultra-nationalist parties to form Israel's most far-right government ever.
"It has to be stopped," Netanyahu said of the widespread U.S. protests. "It has to be condemned and condemned unequivocally, but that's not what happened."
That couldn't be further from how young Palestinians, trapped in the warzone of Gaza, see the support of so many American students determined to make their voices heard despite the risk of arrest.
"The aggression is committing a genocide, killing, and hunger," Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan, an accounting student displaced from his home in northern Gaza, told CBS News. "We hope these pressures will continue until the aggression against us stops."
