[1][2][3] The occupation, named the "Gaza Solidarity Encampment,"[3] was part of a series of 2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses.

[10] Protesters led a controversial chant, “Al Qassam, make us proud, take another soldier down” while the Split Button monument in front of the Van Pelt Library was graffitied.

[10] On April 29, a self-identified Christian Zionist confronted protesters with a large Israeli flag and attempted to argue and yell for two hours before being asked to move away from the encampment by a university official.

[11] On May 8, the encampment expanded to additional areas on College Green, in response to alleged "continued bad-faith negotiation" by administration.

[19] One arrested protester was noted to be throwing up, and had to seek medical support after police stated she had "hit her head".

[21][22] Penn Against the Occupation and some students alleged harassment and targeted behavior from some guards for wearing a keffiyah during graduation day.

More than 65% of the student population voted to divest, though university president Jameson rebuffed the results and reiterated opposition to the measures.