A group of Palestinian students disrupted a meeting of EU diplomats Ramallah West Bank on Tuesday (May 1st, 2024). They threw stones at the EU diplomat’s vehicles and broke the back window of one of the vehicles. According to a witness, this action was in protest of the ongoing war in Gaza.
At the time of the event, the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit, near Ramallah, which honors Palestinian history and culture, was hosting a meeting for EU diplomats to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
A diplomat who was present told the Jounalist from Reuters, that they were in a discussion when a group of people stepped outside and demanded them to leave. The diplomats tried to negotiate, but were unable to do so, so they fled. He claimed that although the experience was uncomfortable, none of the diplomats were in grave danger.
Later, videos posted to social media showed a group of people around a car and using stones to smash the window.
They made the EU ambassadors leave, according to Birzeit University student Amr Kayed, in order to convey the message that “anyone who is complicit in genocide and the offensive on Gaza” is not welcome.
German EU diplomat’s response
The German envoy to the Palestinian territories, Oliver Owcza, expressed sadness for the meeting’s interruption.
“Nevertheless, we remain committed to constructively work with our Palestinian partners!” he stated on X. “Peaceful protest & dialogue always has its place.”
Prior to the event, a Facebook post by Palestinian students called for a protest against the German delegate’s attendance due to Germany’s backing of Israel in the Gaza War.