Police crack down on pro-Palestinian demonstrations at US universities

Meanwhile, student protests intensify nationwide, with large gatherings in Washington DC and ongoing encampments at Harvard and Brown universities.

Pro-Palestinian student protests have intensified across US campuses, with police interventions reported at several universities amid escalating tensions over Israel's war on Gaza.

At the University of Texas at Austin, USC, Emory University, and Emerson College, dozens of protesters were arrested as they rallied against Israel's actions in Gaza.

In Washington DC, hundreds of students gathered at George Washington University, where a significant police presence was observed. Rumors circulated among students that police forces might move in to disperse protesters by Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, at Columbia University in New York, students pledged to continue their protests despite a midnight deadline from the administration to clear encampments. Threats of intervention by the university administration, including suggestions of calling in the National Guard, have not deterred student activists.

In Atlanta, police officers entered Emory University's campus, deploying tear gas and tasers against protesting students before making arrests.

USC announced the cancellation of its main graduation ceremony after the administration revoked a speech by a pro-Palestinian student.

In defiance of threats and actions, students at Harvard and Brown universities on the east coast established encampments in solidarity with Gaza.

The movement, demanding universities to sever financial ties with Israel and divest from companies allegedly enabling the conflict, has gained momentum despite allegations of anti-Semitism.

The protests, led by students, have been characterized as peaceful and respectful, but have faced heavy-handed responses from some universities.

As pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue to unfold on US campuses, tensions escalate amid calls for solidarity with Gaza. Despite arrests and interventions, student activists remain committed to their cause, demanding accountability and action from university administrations. (ILKHA)