Pro-Palestinian activists at several British universities have started to set up Gaza 'solidarity encampments' in response to similar movements on US campuses. This follows recent confrontations at American universities like Columbia and UCLA, where police clashed with demonstrators (see World article ‘USA: hundreds of campus protesters arrested’). In Newcastle, a group initiated an encampment at the university's main campus to protest against alleged Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Bristol students also established a camp on their campus, displaying signs with pro-Palestinian messages. Universities UK commented on the situation, stating that universities strive to balance student safety and free speech. They are monitoring developments closely and discussing them with university leaders. Meanwhile, protests in London led to three arrests as demonstrators outside the Department of Business and Trade called for a halt to arms sales to Israel.