KCL walkout against repression as Israel escalates genocide and annexation

Students, staff and trade unionists will rally at King’s College London (KCL), Strand Campus, on Thursday 12 February at 2pm. It’s part of the national workplace day of action for Palestine.

Organisers say the rally comes amid Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the de facto annexation of the occupied West Bank, and the:

escalating repression of Palestine solidarity activism in the UK.

Repression at KCL

The protest will demand the immediate reinstatement of Usama Ghanem. He’s an Egyptian KCL student who has been indefinitely suspended and had his student visa revoked. He now faces the threat of imminent deportation to Egypt, where his life is at risk.

Organisers say Usama’s case is part of a broader crackdown targeting pro-Palestine staff and students, including disciplinary action and intimidation. At KCL, more than twenty students – primarily students of colour – have faced disciplinary procedures linked to Palestine activism. However, far-right and Zionist groups have repeatedly targeted demonstrators on campus.

The rally is organised by KCL student societies, KCL UCU, and University and College Workers for Palestine, and endorsed by the Stop the War Coalition.

A spokesperson for University and College Workers for Palestine said:

Repression in the UK is not separate from what is happening in Palestine. It is part of the same system of dispossession, apartheid and genocide. Universities are disciplining and deporting activists while Israel destroys Gaza’s education system and annexes the West Bank.

A KCL staff member talked about the broader context of Usama’s suspension. They noted that the college:

escalated disciplinary action against pro-Palestine students, closed down hard-won fora on divestment and the reconstruction of Gaza’s education system, rejected all divestment demands, and unilaterally introduced new protest restrictions.

At the same time, it has failed to challenge Zionist and fascist groups like Stop the Hate and Betar, allowing them to intimidate and assault staff and students with impunity.

Thursday’s rally will demand of KCL:

• Reinstate Usama Ghanem.
• Stop the repression and deportations of pro-Palestine activists.
• Fascists off campus.
• Divestment now.

London trade union branches with banners and delegations are due to attend at KCL. A major pledge campaign launched by supporters has already raised over £17,000 in under two weeks. It will support legal action connected to Usama’s case.

Featured image via the Canary