Two Pro-Palestine protests take place in Cambridge in past week

Protesters have gathered outside of Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Senate House

Protesters say 'hundreds' gathered outside Addenbrooke's on Friday Ruying Yang for Varsity

by Jonathan Corner & Elizabeth Bratton

Monday July 28 2025, 8:47pm

On Friday (25/07), a group of pro-Palestine activists protested outside Addenbrooke’s Hospital to call on Cambridge University to divest, stating that they “will not be silent while Gaza starves”.

An Instagram post shared by Cambridge Artists for Palestine included footage of the protest, which the group says had hundreds of attendees. Activists gathered in front of the hospital, holding a large banner saying “STOP STARVING GAZA” and Palestinian and Lebanese flags.

Footage showed one demonstrator shouting “open the borders now, let food in for Gaza”.

The post stated that “enough is enough,” calling on the University to divest. It also called on the Institute of Manufacturing, part of Cambridge’s Engineering Department, to “STOP developing tech for ARMS!!”

The Addenbrooke’s protest comes after the University secured a 12-month injunction against protests on several properties, a move condemned by the Student Union for restricting freedom of speech.

On Saturday (26/07), protesters gathered again, outside of Senate House. In an Instagram post about the protest, Cambridge Artists for Palestine wrote: “In the heart of Cambridge, speaking the truth is now a crime. Outside the Senate House – once a symbol of free thought – we sat in silence.”

Photos showed the protesters with black tape on their mouths, with most holding blank placards, and one holding a placard with the words: “Protesters silenced”.

They group claimed that “speaking the truth, calling out genocide, and reasoning against oppression are now acts of defiance in a system that fears justice”.

Uni secures 12-month injunction against protests

This comes after pro-Palestine group Palestine Action was labelled a “terrorist organisation” after members broke into an RAF base and caused £7 million of damage to RAF planes, claiming they were used to support the Israeli military.

Over 170 people have been arrested since the proscription, according to the BBC, with membership of Palestine Action being punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.

The Instagram post concluded: “We will not comply!”

The University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke’s have been contacted for comment.

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