US: Over 2,000 arrested amid university protests against Israel-Hamas conflict
At least 2,000 people have been arrested at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks over protests against the Israel-Hamas war. During the clearing of protesters, one cop mistakenly discharged his gun inside a Columbia University administration building, authorities said Thursday. The officer was attempting to use the flashlight on his firearm when he inadvertently fired a bullet, hitting a wall frame. However, no one was injured.
Why does this story matter?
The demonstrations began at Columbia on April 17, with students demanding an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This conflict has reportedly claimed more than 34,000 Palestinian lives in the Gaza Strip, according to local Health Ministry data. The offensive in Gaza was launched by Israel following an attack by Hamas terrorists that killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages in the attack.
Nationwide university demonstrations result in numerous arrests
The firearm mishap took place during an operation that resulted in over 100 detentions at Columbia alone. The Columbia incident is part of a larger trend, with an Associated Press count identifying at least 50 instances of arrests at 40 different US colleges or universities since April 18. Early Thursday, law enforcement officers confronted a group of demonstrators at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Over 200 protesters were ultimately detained after they disregarded orders to disperse.
Biden rejects calls from protesters to change his approach
On Thursday, President Joe Biden denied requests from student demonstrators to change his stance on the Gaza War while maintaining that "order must prevail." Biden declared at the White House that "dissent is essential for democracy, but dissent must never lead to disorder." At the same time, Biden stated that he opposed the National Guard being stationed on college campuses.
Israel labels protests as antisemitic
Israel has labeled these protests as antisemitic, while critics argue that such accusations are used to suppress dissent. Despite some demonstrators being caught on camera making antisemitic comments or violent threats, protest organizers—some of whom are Jewish—insist it is a peaceful movement advocating for Palestinian rights and opposing the war. Notably, nearly 30% of those arrested at Columbia were unaffiliated with the university, and 60% of those arrested at City College were not affiliated with the school.
