Students claim they have seized control of part of the historic Bodleian Library today in a protest over Oxford University’s links with Israel.

As many as 100 protesters — the majority of whom are believed to be students — entered the Clarendon Building, in Broad Street, at noon.

One said they were prepared to stay inside “for days, even weeks”.

They have released a list of demands to Oxford University, including:

  • Releasing a statement condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza, especially the Islamic University
  • Provide scholarships to five Palestinian students from Gaza
  • Cease investment in arms manufacturer BAE Systems, which they say supplies weapons to Israel
  • Provide resources to help rebuild Gaza University
  • Demand Balliol College cancels a lecture series recently inaugurated by Shimon Peres, the president of Israel.

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