Recently, there have been escalating tensions at the University of Washington’s Gaza camp, particularly concerning the identification of a key figure in the camp’s leadership. Reports indicate that Aziz Junejo, previously unrecognized as a student, has been actively leading certain activities within the camp.

Journalist Katie Daviscourt, a former Seattle Times columnist now with the Mukilteo Beacon, has identified Junejo as one of the primary leaders at the camp. According to coverage from the Post-Millennial, Junejo has been directing activities involving black bloc Antifa militants and other activists, employing military-style tactics to defend the camp. He has also been responsible for relaying information about potential threats to the safety of the camp, specifically noting the presence of Jewish and Christian groups.

During one incident, Junejo used a megaphone during a meeting with anti-Israel activists at the camp. He informed them of an approaching pro-Israel march and instructed his group to “hold the line.” This march, hosted by Christian Pastor Russell Johnson of Pursuit Church NW, was reportedly met with significant resistance from the camp’s occupants.

BOOM: Who is this ringleader of @UW Gaza camp?

He is in charge of directing Antifa/activists to take up military-like posture around the camp, and relays information to the group about any potential “threats.”

📷: @anatoliafergus https://t.co/dbyCUqcC7Y pic.twitter.com/AJBah79Vkc

— Katie Daviscourt 📸 (@KatieDaviscourt) May 13, 2024

Earlier that day, protestors fortified the camp with barricades constructed from various materials like wooden pallets, roofing metal, and poultry wire fencing. These preparations were aimed at preventing the pro-Israel march from passing through the encampment area.

“THEY’RE COMING! Hold the line!” — Antifa militant informs Gaza camp activists that the pro-Israeli’s are on their way to the camp.

The group takes up posture. pic.twitter.com/2raR2LDbPJ

— Katie Daviscourt 📸 (@KatieDaviscourt) May 13, 2024

In response to the growing unrest, the University of Washington provided metal barriers and increased police presence to ensure that the two groups remained separated. During the counter-protest, black bloc Antifa members took strategic positions behind the barriers, equipped with improvised shields and weapons. They also used umbrellas to shield their identities.

Police are protecting the illegal Little Gaza encampment at the University of Washington which is blocking Christians and Jews from walking on a public campus pic.twitter.com/Ko95VewIoa

— Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) May 12, 2024

Junejo’s active participation and residency within the University’s encampment highlight who is behind the protests and that they may have not been spontaneous protests.

The current scene at @UW Gaza camp as Antifa holds posture to defend the camp. pic.twitter.com/MDfgjcki0Y

— Katie Daviscourt 📸 (@KatieDaviscourt) May 13, 2024