Columbia University campus in New York, USA, was the scene of a dramatic clash on Tuesday night as police entered Hamilton Hall to evacuate students who had been occupying the building in protest against the war in Gaza.
Television footage showed agents entering the university through a window, while hundreds of troops surrounded the area as protesters and their supporters chanted “shame” outside the campus. Police buses were seen leaving with detained protesters, although the exact number of detainees has not been officially confirmed.
The protests had escalated earlier in the day when pro-Palestinian protesters barricaded themselves in Hamilton Hall, renaming it after Hind Rajab, a young girl who tragically lost her life in Gaza. The demonstration was part of a larger wave of protests across American universities condemning Israeli actions and perceived US complicity.
This is the second time in less than two weeks that police have intervened at Columbia University to quell protests related to the conflict in Gaza. The university authorities had warned of possible expulsions for students involved in the demonstration and authorized the police intervention.
In response to the events, President Joe Biden condemned the takeover of Hamilton Hall, labeling it as “absolutely wrong” and emphasizing the importance of peaceful and lawful protests. Former President Donald Trump blamed Biden for the protests, criticizing his communication skills and accusing him of failing to address the situation effectively.
The clash at Columbia University reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza and the differing responses from political leaders. The incident has sparked national debate and highlighted the challenges of balancing free expression with maintaining order and security on university campuses.