Columbia University Protesters Seize Building over Israel Divestment Demands

Protesters opposed to Israel at Columbia University in New York City seized one of campus buildings early Tuesday morning, defying orders to disperse from their encampment following a breakdown in negotiations with university officials who had set a deadline for them to leave. The group behind the protests, known as Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), pledged to remain inside Hamilton Hall until the institution agreed to its demands of “divestment, financial transparency, and amnesty”. Videos posted online showed shattered glass, chants, and several banners unfurled by demonstrators. One sign read ‘Intifada’, a term in Arabic meaning rebellion or uprising that has been associated with two violent conflicts between Gaza and Israel beginning in 1987. Columbia University’s public safety department announced on Tuesday morning that access to its Morningside Campus would be limited to students living on campus, as well as essential staff members who provide services for buildings, labs or student housing. The university said this restriction was necessary until circumstances allowed otherwise and emphasised the importance of ensuring “the safety of every single member” in their community. Protests against Israel have taken place at various universities recently, with activists calling on institutions to disinvest from companies doing business with Israel. Some schools may be forced to postpone or cancel graduation ceremonies as a result of these demonstrations; the University of Southern California has already cancelled its main stage commencement ceremony. The latest flare-up in violence between Israel and Hamas militants began on October 7, after terrorists launched an attack against Israeli forces.