Palestine protest targets University of Glasgow over Israel-linked investments

THE University of Glasgow has been hit with protest graffiti after its ruling body refused to divest from arms firms linked to Israel.

Pictures from the institution on Tuesday morning show red paint daubed onto buildings and signage, with slogans including “Free Palestine” and “Divest now”.

Numerous red triangle symbols, which are associated with the Palestine flag, were also painted onto the building. 

It is unclear who is behind the action, though student protesters have targeted Glasgow University buildings in the past.

Red triangles were painted onto Glasgow University buildings and signs (Image: James Chapelard) In November, the university sparked anger amongst staff and students after its ruling court opted to continue investing in arms firms supplying Israel despite overwhelming opposition in a survey response.

Figures included at the end of an email seen by The National made clear that around 2400 people responded to the survey (500 staff and 1900 students), and that “most staff (81%) and student (86%) respondents were in favour of divestment”.

The email said: “However, Court accepted the advice of senior managers that the university should not require fund managers to disinvest, firstly because this could be interpreted as a signal that the university was opposed to the existence of the UK defence sector and secondly in recognition of the university’s ongoing research relationships with a range of firms active in this area.”

Graffiti calling for divestment from Israel-linked arms firms on Glasgow University (Image: James Chapelard) Glasgow University's endowment fund was worth £262 million at the end of July 2024, the email said. A publicly available list of investments from 2023 includes shares in weapons firms linked to Israel such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Thales.

Analysis of the 2023 list suggests that the total sum of shares in defence companies held by the University of Glasgow is £3.1m. However, firms like Boeing manufacture both missiles and commercial jets, meaning the funding may not be directly invested in weaponry.

A University of Glasgow spokesperson said: "The University of Glasgow upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right of staff and students to engage in peaceful demonstrations.  However, we do not tolerate criminal activities or those which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace.    "As an institution we stand against hate or harassment of any kind. We regularly communicate with all our staff and students about the need for tolerance towards each other, and we reiterate this call for all members of our community to be respectful to each other at all times."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "On Tuesday, 24 June, 2025, we received a report of vandalism to a building in University Avenue, Glasgow. 

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Previously, the institution has seen protests including a group of 30 students occupying one of the university buildings, followed the next day by around 100 taking to the main road passing through the campus to stop traffic from passing through.

Other action taken has included a hunger strike, a walk out, and the establishment of an encampment on university grounds.

Glasgow University is reported to have banned students from campus for participating in such protest action.