Students Demand University Cuts Ties with Israeli Universities and Divest from Related Companies.
Students at Trinity College Dublin protesting Israel's war in Gaza built an encampment, leading to restricted campus access and the closure of the Book of Kells exhibition on Saturday.
The university fined the students' union 214,000 euros ($230,000) due to financial losses from previous protests.
In response, students piled up benches to block the entrance to the building where the Book of Kells is housed and shared a photo on social media.
In about 800 A.D., Celtic monks created the illuminated manuscript book known as the Book of Kells.
However, access to Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is displayed, has been restricted due to protests.
Protesters are demanding that Ireland's oldest university cut ties with Israeli universities and divest from companies with Israeli connections.
Similar protests have occurred at universities in Australia and Canada.
The university's head, Linda Doyle, stated that they are reviewing their investments in companies and that decisions on working with Israeli institutions are left to individual academics.
The Book of Kells exhibition has been closed indefinitely due to the protests and campus access is limited to students, staff, and residents for safety reasons.
A seven-month-long assault by Israel on Gaza, initiated by Hamas militant attacks, has resulted in the deaths of over 34,600 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
The conflict began in October 2022, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 253, with 133 still believed to be held in Gaza, according to Israeli records.
Ireland, known for advocating for Palestinian rights, has announced plans to formally recognize Palestine as a state soon.