- Supporters of Israel attacked a pro-Palestinian student protest camp at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Overnight, authorities cleared a Columbia University occupation in New York City.
- The Mayor of New York City suggested that the Columbia protest was instigated by external influences.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that supporters of Israel attacked a pro-Palestinian protest camp at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), while in New York, authorities arrested around 300 protesters at Columbia University.
The violence at UCLA, captured in verified footage, depicted clashes between demonstrators and assailants before police intervention.
Meanwhile, New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams, attributed the leadership of the Columbia protest to external influences but offered no concrete evidence to support the claim.
These protests were part of a broader surge in student activism across the United States following the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip.
Student Protests Erupt: Pro-Palestinian Camp Attacked in LA, 300 Arrested in NY
While the initial attack resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties in southern Israel, the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza led to a devastating toll, with nearly 35,000 Palestinian fatalities according to Gaza health ministry figures.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by the destruction of infrastructure, has pushed the region to the brink of famine.
In response to the escalation, student rallies opposing Israel’s actions emerged at dozens of universities nationwide.
However, some demonstrations turned violent, prompting police intervention to restore order and ensure public safety.
At Columbia University, police arrested demonstrators who had occupied a building and dismantled protest encampments.
Despite accusations of external instigation, protest leaders denied involvement by outsiders, emphasizing their right to peaceful demonstration.
The protests at Columbia University mirrored similar actions at other institutions, including Tulane University, University of Arizona, and City College of New York, where police were also called in to clear encampments and make arrests.
The widespread demonstrations have underscored the deep divisions and political tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within the United States.
In light of the ongoing unrest, university administrations have faced challenges in maintaining order and addressing the concerns of students while upholding academic integrity.
Despite warnings of potential academic consequences for participating in protests, students have continued to mobilize, demanding accountability and action in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.