The proPalestinian encampment at McMaster University has grown over the past 24 hours, and they are getting support from the community.

Protestors are calling for the school to divest from any Israeli organizations with ties to the war.

On the grounds of McMaster University, these protesters say they plan to stay until their demands are met.

Dr. Ali Iqbal is an assistant professor of medicine at McMaster, and he stopped by to show his support.

“I’m here to support the students and their right for freedom of expression, freedom of protest, and freedom to stand up against injustices and against the genocide in Gaza,” Ali said.

He says it’s grown in size since he was here on Sunday when there were about a dozen tents set up. Today there are now a few dozen.

Others are also stopping by to show support by dropping off food and water.

This proPalestinian campus protest is similar to others happening across Canada and the US.

Clinical Professor of Medicine Aliya Khan said, “What we want is our dollars to not support the genocide, so we should divest from organizations that are making military equipment and bombing children, toddlers, and civilians.”

CHCH reached out to McMaster University and asked if they have any partnerships with academic institutions in Israel. They did not answer that question but pointed us to a statement the university released earlier.

“Universities have a long history with protests, which, when peacefully done, reinforce and support our culture of freedom of expression,” the statement says.