US (Washington Insider Magazine) — Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators clashed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) as protests over the Israel-Gaza conflict intensified across U.S. campuses. Tensions at these rallies have led to hundreds of arrests nationwide, with no sign of slowing over the past weekend.
At UCLA, “physical altercations broke out” after a barrier dividing the two sides was breached, according to a university official. This follows a growing presence of pro-Palestinian activists on campus, joined by pro-Israel counter-demonstrators organized by the Israeli American Council (IAC). The IAC expressed “profound concern” over reported antisemitic incidents on other campuses, including Columbia University in New York.
The White House has urged that all demonstrations remain peaceful, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby underscoring the government’s support for peaceful protests while condemning antisemitic actions and hate speech. Many pro-Palestinian activists have distanced themselves from antisemitic incidents, attributing some actions to external agitators.
A group of 21 Democratic members of Congress has called on Columbia University to dismantle what they describe as an “unauthorized and impermissible encampment” of anti-Israel activists. Columbia University President Dr. Minouche Shafik stated that the school is considering alternative solutions to resolve the crisis after recent talks with protest organizers failed.
Reports indicate that some individuals involved in UCLA clashes may not be affiliated with the university, as campus police intervened to separate groups trading punches on Sunday.
The conflict’s escalation follows the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent strikes on Gaza, with universities and law enforcement reportedly struggling to maintain order amid protests. Over 100 demonstrators at Columbia were detained during a police operation to clear an encampment, fueling further protests. Arrests have now occurred at multiple campuses nationwide, with some demonstrators pitching tents on university grounds.
The protests have expanded to Canada, where a pro-Palestinian camp has been set up at McGill University in Montreal. Activists in both countries are demanding a ceasefire and that universities cut financial ties with companies doing business in or with Israel, accusing them of complicity in the Gaza conflict.
Alleged antisemitic incidents have prompted concerns for Jewish students’ safety, with reports of chants supporting Hamas and perceived threats. Northeastern University in Boston reported “virulent antisemitic slurs” at a recent protest, blaming outside organizers.
Additional recent developments include the arrest of Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein at Washington University, the establishment of a new encampment at Yale University following a police intervention, a request from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, for students to move to online classes, and more than a dozen arrests at the University of Georgia, Athens.
