The demonstrators were echoing similar encampments and protests in the United States, and unfurled a large Palestinian flag while chanting slogans in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

The protest came as Israel continued its offensive following a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, which marked the beginning of the Israeli-Hamas war.

Police arrived on the scene in the early afternoon and removed the protesters, with around 100 demonstrators participating in the protest and heavy police presence to prevent further encampments.

A graduate student named Lorelia Frejo at the Sorbonne University in Paris described how police used force to remove peaceful protesters from the courtyard without explanation.

Frejo was inspired by the ongoing protests at New York's Columbia University, where students remain steadfast in their fight for justice and peace in Palestine.

The Sorbonne, a prominent institution in French public and intellectual life, was recently the site of a speech by President Emmanuel Macron on his European vision.

Protests also occurred at Sciences Po, another elite university in Paris with notable alumni including Macron and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.

Pro-Palestinian students at Sciences Po university in France aimed to occupy an amphitheater, inspired by Gaza solidarity encampments in the US.

On Friday, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators clashed in the street, leading to a tense standoff.

Riot police intervened to separate the groups, and the protest ended peacefully when students agreed to evacuate the building late on Friday.

The university's head announced an agreement had been reached.