Students at a pro-Palestinian encampment say they will stay until Bangor University divest all ties with Israel.

Joining the global call to the student revolution movement by setting up solidarity camps, they are calling  for local allies to come and support or to come and have an open discussion with them.

Located at the front of the Pontio building on Deiniol Road in Bangor, the students set up their camp last Wednesday and have joined students at a growing number of universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Sheffield.

The Bangor students are demanding that the university divests all ties with Siemens Technology, with up to £14,000 of investments, and to remove Starbucks and Costa Coffee from the university campus.

The priority for them all is the safe refuge of all Palestinians and they continue to urge anyone to donate directly to Palestinian charities and families. The students also have a GoFundMe Page for encampment supplies, toiletries and food.

A statement on the Bangor University website said: “Universities provide a place and opportunity for debate, and as a community of students and staff, we recognise that disagreement can occur as individuals may hold differing views.

“Protecting free speech within legal boundaries is paramount; however, it is also essential that people treat one another with respect at all times. 

“We support our student community by providing a platform for them to protest and share their views peacefully. We do this by collaborating closely with our elected Students’ Union representatives to ensure we have the right measures in place to protect our students, staff, and wider community while preserving free speech. 

“Additionally, we unequivocally condemn racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, discrimination, harassment, abuse, or criminal behaviour, as these have no place in our community.

“To those involved in or joining the protest, it’s important to remember that the University must continue with day-to-day operations to ensure our students and the wider community feel safe and able to carry on with their activities.

“We also ask that you remain mindful towards our local community, recognising the area as a public thoroughfare. 

“Finally, prioritise your safety and well-being; although our campus is monitored, it remains situated in an accessible area open to the general public. 

“While we acknowledge your right to protest, we encourage the use of legitimate channels to express your views effectively.”