Tensions escalate as pro-Palestinian encampment grows at University of Washington

SEATTLE — A pro-Palestinian encampment is growing at the University of Washington (UW), and so is the tension among students. People are raising concerns as more and more activists show up at the center of campus.

“I want to show support to my fellow Jewish students. They have felt unsafe to go to campus. I’m standing up against anti-Semitism,” a UW freshman who wanted to remain anonymous told KOMO News.

He held the flag of Israel and was blocked by a group of people dressed in black. One person stole the flag and stomped on it, and the student told KOMO News he plans to file charges.

Meanwhile, a protester claims the group is being harassed.

RELATED: Protestors set up encampment on University of Washington campus

“People will try to provoke anti-Semitism from protesters,” UW student Kashf Igbal claimed.

What started as about 15 tents set up by pro-Palestinian protesters turned to more than double that in a matter of hours Wednesday. The messages in chalk at the Quad at the University of Washington state the encampment is a safe space for all, and they welcome people to stop and talk as they protest the Israeli military's action in its war with Hamas in Gaza.

Jay Preusker camped overnight and said this demonstration will continue until UW meets their demands.

“But, specifically, just to say genocide is unacceptable, it will not happen on our watch and we will protest however we can until it’s over,” he stated. He also listed demands for UW, including divesting any interests in Israel and cutting ties with Boeing.

The encampment has drawn the attention of just about everyone who walks by. Some support the group's right to free speech. Others don't believe the protesters' demands are realistic.

“I think the level of support here isn’t a lot for it because the hub last month got vandalized. Student artwork got vandalized with pro Palestine graffiti,” UW Junior David Choi said.

Students told KOMO News they are worried about further disruptions, as they see what's happened at other college campuses.

“I don’t want it to turn into Columbia where we have online classes and the police come in and we don’t get a graduation,” UW Senior Allyssa Vandi added.

One pro-Palestinian activist said the campers are a mix of UW students and community activists. In response to the encampment Wednesday morning, a UW spokesperson provided the following statement:

We continue to monitor the situation and will respond as appropriate to maintain a safe and secure environment for our campus community.

KOMO News has requested a response to what happened with the flag of Israel.