Oxford University tightens security after ‘incident’

A university has increased security measures for students protesting the war in Gaza after an “incident”.

Protest camps, described as “liberated zones”, were installed near the Oxford University campuses on May 6.

Thames Valley Police confirmed they were called to Parks Road on Saturday at 8.50pm BST due to “reports of disorder”.

Officers issued a section 35 dispersal order to remove people from the area. A spokesman for the force said no arrests had been made.

A statement from Oxford University said it was “concerned about the incident on Saturday evening”.

He added: “Our main priority throughout this protest has been the safety and well-being of the entire university community, as well as visitors to our buildings and the public.

“We are maintaining an increased security presence around the camp to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, while also providing regular protection throughout the rest of the university.

“We are in close contact with Thames Valley Police and are grateful to them for their quick response on Saturday evening.”

Protesters hung a list of your demands to the university vice-chancellor at the gates of the Sheldonian Theater on Wednesday.

In their list of demands, protesters called for the university to disclose all finances, overhaul the university’s investment policy, boycott “genocide, apartheid and Israeli occupation” and stop banking with Barclays.

Israel has rejected accusations that it was involved in genocidal acts in its campaign in Gaza and insisted that it has the right to defend itself following the Hamas armed incursion on October 7.

Since that date, more than 35,000 people have been killed, according to the territory’s Ministry of Health, administered by Hamas.

The Union of Jewish Students has been contacted for comment on the incident reported on Saturday.

It previously said the camps were creating a “hostile and toxic atmosphere” on campuses and called on universities to “take seriously their duty of care to Jewish students.”

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