In recent days, student demonstrations have swept across the United States, with students from top institutions like Columbia, New York, and UCLA calling for universities to sever ties with the Israeli government in response to attacks in Gaza. Arrests have been made at protests in various public and private universities, with over 200 protesters detained in Columbia and City College of New York alone.
Columbia has become a focal point for university protests against the war in Gaza, with Mayor Eric Adams stating that some protesters were not enrolled at the university and were considered external agitators. Over 280 people have been arrested in pro-Palestine protests in the city, with politicians from both parties condemning the protests and labeling some actions as anti-Semitic and violent.
At the University of Wisconsin, clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups led to the arrest of 34 students, and similar confrontations occurred at UCLA. Meanwhile, students at the University of Texas were arrested during an occupation protesting Israeli actions in Gaza.
It is evident that the student protests are highlighting deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding the conflict in Gaza, with reactions from political figures and law enforcement reflecting the complexity of the situation. Despite efforts by former President Donald Trump to praise New York police for dismantling a camp of pro-Gaza protesters at Columbia University, tensions continue to escalate at various campuses across the country.
