US students protest as Gaza war marks two-year anniversary

MARYLAND: Students in the United States (US) gathered in solemn silence on the campus lawns today, Tuesday, marking two years since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

The peaceful protest, held on the anniversary of the conflict that began on October 7, 2023, was a stark reminder of the ongoing violence that has claimed over 67,000 lives in Gaza.

Though Washington D.C. is typically a hub for large-scale protests, the capital city has seen fewer demonstrations in recent years due to stricter law enforcement measures. As National Guard troops now patrol the city, protests have shifted to universities like the University of Maryland, where students continue to speak out against the war.

"We've been protesting against this war from day one," said Khaula T. (name changed for privacy), an engineering student who was arrested in April 2024 for participating in a similar protest. "Today, we reflect on how far we've come, but also on the lives lost."

The protest took a quieter, more reflective form today, with students sitting together in peaceful solidarity. Rather than chanting or marching, they participated in interactive discussions with experts and faculty members, focusing on the call for universities in the US to sever financial and academic ties with institutions in Israel.

Zahid Khan, a Pakistani-American student, echoed the sentiments of many in attendance. "We can’t let the world forget what’s happening in Gaza," he told Pakistan TV Digital.

"This isn’t just another headline. It’s real lives that are being lost every day."

The event also included discussions on the history of Palestine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and efforts to raise awareness among their peers. Eric, a Jewish political science graduate student, shared his personal perspective: "I know what’s right and wrong. This isn’t about politics; it’s about humanity."

As the day progressed, some students worked on artwork while others sat in quiet contemplation. Maliha, one of the participants, created a piece that read “Falasteen,” a tribute to the Palestinian people.

"This is about honoring the martyrs and standing for peace," she explained.

The University of Maryland has been a focal point of student activism, notably for its role in challenging administrative restrictions. In August 2025, the university settled a lawsuit filed by the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group after it attempted to ban a vigil for Gaza victims. A judge ruled the ban unconstitutional, and the university agreed to a $100,000 settlement.

Dr. Joe Frank, an activist and researcher, noted that the history of student-led protests in the US is long and storied.

"From Vietnam to Gaza, students have always been at the forefront of calling for peace, even when their voices have been silenced," Frank told Pakistan TV Digital.

As the protest came to a close, many students expressed hope that a newly announced peace plan might bring an end to the conflict, though skepticism remained among others. Regardless of the outcome, the students at the University of Maryland made one thing clear: their fight for peace will continue.