The protests against Israel’s actions have escalated to a threatening level at Columbia University. Masked individuals vandalized the campus on Tuesday morning by breaking windows and blocking doors with metal tables, creating a disruptive environment for Jewish students and staff, as well as disrupted teaching and studying for final exams.
Columbia University spokesman Ben Chang issued a warning to students who occupied buildings, stating that there would be consequences if they continued their actions. The demonstrators had been asked to leave peacefully but refused, leading to the breakdown of negotiations between the university management and protesters.
The key demand from the protesters was that Columbia University divest from companies with ties to Israel. However, the university president made it clear that there were no plans to withdraw investments from Israel, which led to further tensions.
Protests in support of Palestinians in Gaza and against Israel’s actions have also led to waves of demonstrations at other universities across the country. Over the weekend, more than 350 protest participants were arrested nationwide. The university had called in police to address the protests in mid-April, resulting in further arrests.