Second Encampment Established at Oxford University Amidst Administration’s Refusal to Engage in Negotiations

A second encampment has been erected in front of Oxford University’s Radcliffe Camera by students. The Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) announced the establishment of this new encampment, urging the Administration to engage in discussions regarding their demands. The coalition emphasized that if the University agrees to negotiate, the encampment at Radcliffe Camera will be immediately dismantled.

This development follows a previous action where students staged a “die-in” outside the Sheldonian Theatre, causing disruptions during graduation ceremonies.

OA4P released a statement stating, “Our expanded encampment now occupies the lawn of the Radcliffe Camera, a historic site where influential figures like Alfred Milner, the key architect of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, once studied over a century ago. Today, it remains a timeless symbol of Oxford’s legacy.”

The encampment was set up to mark the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, observed last Wednesday.

Amytess Girgis, an Oxford DPhil student, summarized their demands, stating, “In essence, our demands revolve around three key aspects: disclosure, divestment, and rebuilding.”

Despite receiving support from over 1,650 students, 550 faculty and staff members, as well as 14 trade unions and union councils, including the Oxford University and College Union (UCU), the University administration has steadfastly declined to enter into negotiations, as stated by OA4P.

In response to OA4P’s demands, the University’s Vice Chancellor, Irene Tracey, issued a university-wide email, which made no indication of willingness to engage in further negotiations or meet the stated demands.