PALESTINE campaigners welcomed a victory for the right to protest today after the High Court rejected the University of Cambridge’s attempt to ban campus demonstrations related to Israel and Palestine.

The university had sought a five-year injunction until 2030 to prevent protests specifically linked to the issue, arguing it was urgently needed ahead of graduation ceremonies this weekend.

But Mr Justice Fordham dismissed the application, instead granting only a “very narrow and limited court order.”

The court ruling only prohibits entry and the erection of structures, meaning that all other forms of protest remain protected.

A further hearing is set for March, with the judge expressing “significant concern” that the university’s legal bid allowed little time for affected parties to respond.

Ahead of the hearing, campaigners accused the university of attempting to silence those calling for an end to its complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) research has previously revealed that British universities invest nearly £430 million in companies complicit in Israel’s violations of international law.

PSC director Ben Jamal called the decision an “important victory for freedom of expression and assembly.”

“The University of Cambridge tried to single out Palestinian staff and students and those speaking up for international law, and subject them to draconian restrictions not applied to protesters on any other issue,” he said.

“This decision should mark a watershed in defence of freedom of expression and the right to protest.”

European Legal Support Centre senior legal officer Anna Ost warned of a growing trend of repression against student movements.

“It is our responsibility to resist this crackdown on civil liberties — on university campuses and beyond,” she said.

The university was approached for comment.