Thousands of students have staged more than 20 occupations at UK universities and colleges in an “extraordinary” wave of solidarity action for the people of Gaza, anti-war activists said today.

The students have called on academic authorities to provide scholarships for Palestinian students, to send books and unused computers to Palestine, and to condemn Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Stop The War Coalition said demands had been accepted in most universities and colleges where occupations of lecture halls and offices have been held.

A meeting will be held in London tomorrow for student activists to discuss the occupations and plans for future action.

Stewart Halforty, of Stop The War Coalition, said: “We hope to draw up a charter for Gaza setting out all our demands.”

Occupations have been held across the country, including London, Manchester, Nottingham, Bradford and Sheffield.

A sit-in at the University of Manchester was in its third day today.