In response to violent protests on Monday, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) has decided to close all campuses on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Board of Directors (CvB) stated that it currently “cannot take responsibility for the safety” of those present at UvA locations.

Exceptions are made for the faculties of medicine and dentistry, where classes are held in hospitals and clinics. The CvB emphasizes that teachers are not expected to switch to online education in the short term.

The decision follows a protest at the Roeterseiland campus on Monday, which initially proceeded orderly. However, around 2 p.m., the atmosphere turned grim when masked individuals entered the building and caused damage. The university has filed a complaint against them.

The CvB is shocked that a peaceful protest was hijacked by violent elements and emphasizes that occupations, blockades, and overnight stays are not allowed at UvA demonstrations.

Since last Monday, UvA campuses have been repeatedly targeted by pro-Palestinian demonstrations, sometimes resulting in violence between demonstrators and police. On Monday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators again occupied the Roeterseiland campus, requiring police intervention to remove them.

The demonstrators protest against Israel’s harsh actions in the Gaza Strip and demand that the UvA sever all ties with Israeli institutions. Damage from last week’s protests is estimated at 1.5 million euros.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations also took place at other Dutch universities, including Groningen, Maastricht, and Nijmegen. In Groningen, demonstrators were allowed to spend the night on public land, while in Maastricht, this was permitted on university premises under certain conditions. In Nijmegen, the university refused demonstrators to stay overnight on campus.

The investigation into the violent incidents and damage on the UvA campus is ongoing, with the police stating that future arrests are not ruled out.