Demonstrations surged across university campuses in the United States amid escalating tensions surrounding Israel's military actions in Gaza, resulting in widespread arrests and disturbing clashes between protesters and counter-protesters.
In New York City, the NYPD reported 282 arrests at Columbia University and the City College of New York, clearing students who had occupied Columbia University's Hamilton Hall since April 30.
The crackdown unfolded as law enforcement sought to reclaim the campus, leading to tense confrontations between police and protesters.
Hamilton Hall, historically associated with activism during South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, became a focal point for protests, with students renamed it "Hind's Hall" in memory of six-year-old Hind Rajab, tragically killed in Gaza.
Student journalist Meghnad Bose recounted witnessing police intervention, noting aggressive tactics used to disperse protesters. At the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), tensions escalated as pro-Israel counter-protesters clashed with pro-Palestine demonstrators.
Witnesses reported violent attempts by counter-protesters to dismantle the pro-Palestine encampment, leading to confrontations with police. Despite the chaos, pro-Palestine protesters remained resilient, holding their ground against the attacks.
The surge in protests stemmed from heightened tensions following Hamas' attack on southern Israel and the prolonged Israeli military campaign in Gaza, resulting in staggering Palestinian casualties.
The recent wave of demonstrations gained momentum following Columbia University President Minouche Shafik's contentious testimony before a US congressional committee, which critics accused of prioritising lawmakers' interests over those of students.
Protesters called for divestment from Israel and companies associated with the conflict, denouncing administrators for allegedly exploiting public safety concerns to suppress dissent.
The protests extended beyond New York, with arrests reported at Tulane University, the University of South Florida, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
The international community took notice, with the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory condemning the violent police response and calling for an end to the ongoing conflict. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence at UCLA, while New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended the police crackdown.
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) criticised both the NYPD and Columbia University for their handling of the situation, drawing parallels between the current actions and past oppression of student activism.
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