For the third consecutive day, students initiated a protest outside the Israeli embassy on Thursday evening at around 18:00
Hundreds of protestors – largely composed of students – again gathered, with a considerable police presence on-site. The protest ended at around 20:30 without any remarkable incidents.
Turnout was significantly lower than on the previous nights, possibly due to the harsh police response on Wednesday when water cannon and tear gas grenades were used, resulting in several injuries and a subsequent legal complaint for 'disproportionate use of force'. Following Thursday evening's protest, the students moved to the Solbosch campus of ULB.
The atmosphere was largely peaceful. Students sat on the ground, singing, dancing, and waving peace symbols. Palestinian scarves were displayed and drums and tambourines played.
Advice on how to handle “police brutality” circulated on social media. Tips included how to shield oneself from tear gas, water cannons and ways of protecting fellow protestors.
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Police were once again lined up in two barricades, the first on Waterloo Street and the second on Observatory Avenue, near the embassy. Water cannons, too, were present. Upon arrival, many students were frisked. The Uccle Mayor Boris Dilliès (MR) was also present, though did not this time call on police to disperse the crowd as he had the previous night.
Following Wednesday’s protest, a spontaneous march was organised towards the European Parliament. A cat and mouse game ensued between the police and the protestors.
