Police at New York's Columbia University have arrested over 100 pro-Palestinian protesters on campus while clearing an encampment established by students demonstrating against Israel's conflict in Gaza.

Multiple students participating in the protest reported being suspended from Columbia University and its affiliated institution, Barnard College. Among them is Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Ilhan Omar, a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives.

Columbia University President Nemat Shafik authorised police to clear the encampment of tents set up by protesters after they violated the university's rules and policies against unauthorised demonstrations and refused to engage with administrators.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that police made over 108 arrests for trespassing, with two individuals additionally charged with obstructing government administration.

He stated, "While students have the right to free speech, they do not have the right to contravene university policies and disrupt campus learning."

The encampment followed a congressional hearing where Shafik faced questioning regarding alleged anti-Semitism on campus and challenges from Omar regarding the alleged targeting of pro-Palestinian protesters.

Columbia University, renowned as one of the US's leading institutions, has become a focal point for student activism amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, witnessing protests both in support of and against the war.

The university's handling of unauthorised gatherings has drawn significant attention due to its prestige and attempts to enforce regulations.

Columbia University has begun suspending students involved in the recent encampment, with formal notifications being sent out. Isra Hirsi, one of the suspended students, expressed determination on social media to push for transparency in Columbia's investments, divestment from companies complicit in genocide, and amnesty for affected students. She vowed to continue advocating until their demands are met.

The recent clash, evoking memories of the protests against the Vietnam War at Columbia over 50 years ago, represents the latest instance in a series of demonstrations disrupting university campuses, bridges, and airports since Israel initiated its assault on Gaza on October 7th.

Around 500 demonstrators rallied at the University of Southern California to support Asna Tabassum, a Muslim student whose valedictorian speech was cancelled by the university due to safety concerns. Tabassum and her supporters allege that the university aimed to silence her because of her opposition to the Israeli assault on Gaza. Protesters carried signs reading "Let Her Speak" and chanted "Shame!" at the USC administration. Katya Urban, part of the Jewish Voice for Peace group at USC, stressed the importance of amplifying the anti-Zionist Jewish voice on campus.

It's important to note that my knowledge cut-off date is January 2022, and as of that time, Hamas was designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Israel.

Image source: Reuters