US campus activists relieved - and anxious - after Gaza ceasefire deal

October 15, 2025

of the News Article The article discusses reactions from college students to the recent ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Gaza war, which came after widespread campus protests during the previous year. Student activists across U.S. universities expressed mixed emotions, with some feeling relief for Gaza civilians while remaining cautious about the durability of peace. The article contrasts perspectives from both pro-Palestinian students, who led protests that saw over 3,000 arrests, and pro-Israel students, who celebrate the return of hostages while questioning aspects of the agreement.

Who is affected

College students who participated in pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel activism on U.S. campuses
Palestinian civilians in Gaza, including relatives of student activists
Hostages held in Gaza and their families
University administrators and presidents (three of whom resigned)
Palestinian prisoners and detainees released by Israel
Jewish students on college campuses

What action is being taken

The ceasefire agreement is being implemented, with hostages and prisoners being exchanged
Some student activists are continuing their advocacy work despite reduced campus protests
Organizations like Atidna International are promoting Israeli-Palestinian dialogue on campuses
Israeli forces are enforcing boundary restrictions established in the ceasefire plan
Some bodies of deceased hostages are being returned to Israel

Why it matters

The ceasefire responds to demands from campus protests that spread to approximately 500 U.S. universities
The agreement impacts the lives of Gaza civilians who have endured bombing and destruction
The peace plan affects the release of approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners convicted of crimes and 1,700 Gaza detainees held without charge
Campus activism has had significant consequences for university leadership and federal funding
The situation represents a potential turning point after two years of conflict, though tensions remain

What's next

Some students plan to continue advocacy work for their respective causes despite the ceasefire
Organizations like Atidna International will focus on promoting dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians
Efforts to recover approximately 20 hostage bodies still believed to be in Gaza will continue
The implementation and maintenance of Trump's 20-point peace plan will be monitored
No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC