Strathclyde students hold pro-Palestine protest on second anniversary of October 7th attacks

Strathclyde students held a pro-Palestine protest on the second anniversary of the October 7th Hamas-led attack.

A large group of students and staff came together for the demonstration, organised by the university’s Palestinian Society. They gathered at Rottenrow Gardens to protest what they described as the ongoing “genocide” in Gaza.

The demonstration has attracted mixed reactions from the campus community, and the significance of the date has also drawn criticism from prime minister Keir Starmer. Referring to the nationwide student protests being held, he said it was “un-British to have so little respect for others”.

However, a second year engineering student, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Glasgow Tab: “Holding the protest on October 7th is important—it’s a reminder of what happened and a moment to reflect.”

Another attendee claimed it was about showing support for Palestinians and striving for change. “For Palestinians, it’s a time of support and positivity in a really dark time. It also shows Glaswegians that even though Strathclyde isn’t a large university, there are still many that care for what we believe in—we can, and we will make a change,” they said.

A speaker from the society addressed the group, describing people as embarking on a “personal journey” and saying those with different views should not be assumed to be “bad”.

They continued: “Everyone is on a personal journey of knowledge, and we are all at different aspects of exposure.

“If you’re stuck in a media bubble on one side, you will keep being fed information biased to that side. Don’t automatically assume that someone on the other side is bad due to their opinion.”

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A Strathclyde staff member reflected on perceived shifts in public engagement with the conflict over time. They said: “In the beginning, with the initial act of Hamas being over two years ago, people showed up more, spoke out more; however, people have now become desensitised, now not much more than a headline in the news.

“If we can get at least one person to realise what’s happening today, we can boycott, contact our MPs, speak out—the protest will have worked.”

Some Jewish students expressed mixed feelings about the timing of the protest. A student, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: “October 7th is a difficult date for many in the Jewish community. While I understand why people may want to protest, it is hard to see events happening on the anniversary of the attacks.”

Another added: “I don’t disagree with students expressing their views, but the date does make it a very sensitive moment for those affected by the attacks.”

A third student described the demonstrations as “inappropriate” due to what the date represents.

They said: “It’s the anniversary of attacks that affected many people, and seeing a protest here today made me uncomfortable. I don’t think it’s the right way to express support, especially when the hostages are still away from their families, and being held in Gaza.”

Bystanders not participating in the protest also shared their thoughts.

One student passing through Rottenrow Gardens told The Glasgow Tab: “I didn’t come to the protest myself, but it’s good to see students engaging in discussion. It reminds me that people have strong opinions, and it’s important to listen.”

Another bystander said that while they would not personally attend the protest, they don’t condemn the demonstration taking place. “I think it’s a complex issue. I wouldn’t want to take part, but it seems like those here are passionate and organised,” they added.

The event was part of wider commemorations across the UK on the second anniversary of the October 7th attacks, with demonstrations held in cities including London, Edinburgh, Sheffield, and Manchester.

The University of Strathclyde has not yet responded to a request for comment.