McGill University had the long-standing pro-Palestinian encampment dismantled on campus Wednesday morning with the help of a private security firm and Montreal police.
McGill president Deep Saini said the university was clearing out the camp in “close collaboration” with the city and police, and through the “engagement of a qualified security firm.”
“This camp was not a peaceful protest,” Saini said in a written statement posted online.
“It was a heavily fortified focal point for intimidation and violence, organized largely by individuals who are not part of our university community.”
According to university officials, security entered the encampment and demanded the pro-Palestinian protesters leave campus grounds. Following orders, some demonstrators were seen leaving the property in waves and not allowed to return.
McGill emergency operations centre said in an update at 9:25 a.m. that clearing out the camp was “proceeding peacefully.” The university said a “careful search of the site” was underway to remove any other individuals or potentially “dangerous materials.”
“Of the approximately 35 people at the site, almost all have chosen to leave. Individuals were given the opportunity to remove their personal belongings as they departed,” the centre said on the university’s website, adding the fencing encircling the encampment will also be removed.
Police stand by as protesters holds up signs at McGill University in Montreal, Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The university closed its downtown campus as police descended in large numbers to help clear a pro-Palestinian encampment.
Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press
The dismantling led to several splinter demonstrations in support of the encampment starting in the street. Sherbrooke Street was closed off.
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McGill said classes typically held on campus would be moved online as it advised students and faculty to stay away. Libraries and campus daycares were also closed.
It’s unclear how many protesters remain on site as media have not been allowed access to campus grounds.
Quebec provincial police were also on site to assist in the operation.
The encampment began April 27 at McGill amid a wave of similar demonstrations across universities in the United States over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since then, dozens of tents have been pitched on the university’s lower field.
At the more-than-10-week-old encampment, protesters have demanded McGill divest from Israel-connected funds.
“The students are steadfast in their struggle,” said Zeyad Abisaab, a Concordia University student who looked on from the street and said he had previously been part of a student-led Palestinian solidarity group.
A pro-Palestinian encampment in the heart of Montreal’s financial district was dismantled by police last week.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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