MORE than 1,000 students gathered at Manchester University today to debate a controversial motion which proposes a boycott of the Israeli government and its "apartheid state".

The motion, being proposed by a Manchester University student and supported by the Islamic Society, argues that Israel is carrying out human rights abuses against Palestinians.

If it is passed, Jewish students fear anti-semitic sentiment will lead to the ban of Jewish societies within universities and fuel prejudice.

Students from across the country are being bussed into the city to support and protest against today's action.