In a wave of heightened tension, law enforcement officials forcibly removed numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrators from several university campuses across the United States.
The most dramatic scene unfolded at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where police dismantled an encampment erected by protesters.
Clad in riot gear and wielding flash bangs, officers advanced through lines of demonstrators who attempted to block their path, resulting in the arrest of 210 individuals.
Despite the crackdown, one protester, identified only as Ryan, expressed determination to continue the fight for their cause, vowing to return and demand divestment.
These protests are part of a broader movement against Israel’s actions in Gaza, with students rallying and setting up encampments at numerous universities.
Their demands include increased intervention from President Joe Biden and calls for universities to divest from companies supporting Israel’s government.
The response from authorities has varied, with some campuses, like Columbia University, also resorting to police intervention to quell demonstrations.
President Biden, who had previously remained silent on the protests, spoke out following the UCLA incident, affirming Americans’ right to protest while condemning violence and property damage.
His remarks come amid criticism from both sides of the political spectrum regarding his stance on Israel.
The clashes underscore the deep divisions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with tensions further exacerbated by the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Despite the crackdown, protesters remain resolute in their cause, signaling that the demonstrations are likely to persist.
