The Senate of the University of Barcelona (UB) approved a motion in support of Palestine on May 8, calling on the university to cut all institutional and academic ties with "Israel", including centers, research institutes, companies, and other institutions in the country, until the Israeli genocide against Gaza stops.

59 voted in favor of the motion, 23 against, and 37 abstained, and it will now be put forward in front of the Board of Directors and the Governing Council of the university.

The protesters have been urging for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and for the Catalan and Spanish governments to break ties with "Israel".

In light of the student protesters at the university celebrating the news after their motion was accepted, student council member Pablo Castilla told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) "This is a big step forward in our fight in solidarity with the Palestinian people at universities."

After the motion passed the vote, the rector of the University of Barcelona, Joan Guàrdia, pledged to reflect on the impact the Israeli war on Gaza has on students. 

The beginning 

On the afternoon of May 6, protesters began at the University of Barcelona as students set up some tents and declared their mobilization against the Israeli genocide in Palestine. 

Even though 70 students were part of an encampment in the courtyard, the students had no intention of disrupting lessons, so classes took place normally on the morning of May 7. 

The students emphasized that they were willing to stay as long as it takes and would not understand if they were forced to leave the university as the demonstrations will not stop "until governments break all ties with Israel," Castilla said. 

As the protesters requested people to "fill up the building" before the Catalan election on May 12, student representatives reassured that the protest was peaceful and that no one had any intention of disrupting the elections, as the building is usually used as a polling station.