Protests advocating for Palestine escalated across US universities, with approximately 275 individuals detained by authorities over the weekend. Originating from Columbia University, these demonstrations rapidly spread nationwide.

At Harvard University, protesters hoisted a Palestinian flag in a location typically reserved for the US flag. Similarly, a sizable Palestinian flag was displayed from a top-floor window at the Washington Hilton Hotel, the site of the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Police apprehended 275 individuals across four campuses, notably 100 at Northeastern University, 80 at Washington University in St Louis, 72 at Arizona State University, and 23 at Indiana University.

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Tensions between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups erupted at UCLA, where a tent encampment had been established the previous week.

The protests have garnered the attention of President Joe Biden, who emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful demonstrations, according to the White House.

Campus activists are advocating for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, urging colleges to sever ties with Israel and associated companies profiting from the Gaza conflict.

These protests present a significant challenge to university administrators tasked with upholding free expression while addressing concerns of anti-Semitism and hate speech.

President Biden reaffirmed his stance on the potential invasion of the Gaza border city of Rafah during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israel-Hamas conflict ensued after Hamas militants launched an attack on Israeli towns on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,170 casualties and 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent offensive has claimed over 34,000 lives in Gaza.

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