Over 130 Arrested At New York University As Pro-Palestinian Protests Rage Across US Campuses

US Campus Protests: Amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, protests in support of Palestine at NYU resulted in 133 arrests, alongside similar demonstrations and arrests at various US universities, including Yale and Columbia.

Police intervene and arrest more than 100 students at New York University (NYU) who continue their demonstration on campus in solidarity with the students at Columbia University and to oppose Israel's attacks on Gaza, in New York, United States on April 22, 2024.

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US Campus Protests: Overnight demonstrations at New York University's campus led to the arrest of over 130 individuals as protests in support of Palestine escalated across various United States universities amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The New York Police Department confirmed the arrest of 133 individuals, all of whom were subsequently released after being issued court summons, news agency AFP reported.

Protests have also intensified at Yale, Columbia University, and other campuses.

As the Passover holiday commenced on Monday night, police began apprehending demonstrators at an encampment at NYU. According to a spokesman from New York University, the decision to involve law enforcement was made after additional protesters, many of whom were not affiliated with NYU, breached the barriers around the encampment, drastically altering the situation, AFP reported. The spokesman, as quoted on the school's website, highlighted instances of "disorderly, disruptive and antagonizing behavior" along with "intimidated chants and several antisemitic incidents."

"In light of the foregoing and the safety issues raised by the breach, we requested assistance from the NYPD. While the police encouraged those on the plaza to depart peacefully, a number of arrests were made," the spokesman added, emphasising the institution's commitment to supporting freedom of expression while ensuring student safety.

Pro-Palestinian Protest At Columbia University

The series of protests commenced at Columbia University last week, where a sizable group of demonstrators established a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" on campus grounds. However, tensions escalated when over 100 protesters were arrested after university authorities summoned the police onto Columbia's campus last Thursday, leading to a surge in turnout over the weekend.

Late Monday, social media images surfaced depicting pro-Palestinian Jewish students participating in traditional seder meals within the protest areas on campuses, including Columbia. Demonstrations also took place at MIT, the University of Michigan, and Yale, where at least 47 individuals were arrested on Monday for refusing to disperse.