The student demonstrations against the war in Gaza have been marred by clashes and multiple arrests
Students have set up protest camps at more than 40 colleges across the US since mid-April, demanding that both Washington and their universities cut ties with Israel and put an end to the violence in Gaza.
The demonstrations, in which thousands have taken part, started peacefully, but clashes erupted at some colleges as police moved in to disperse the gatherings, which had been deemed illegal. Hundreds have been arrested.
02 May 2024
10:44 GMT
Palestinians in Gaza have shown gratitude to those taking part in the US college protests, CNN has reported. It said that, over the past few days, children have been seen at refugee camps across the enclave, holding signs and banners featuring the names of different universities and captions like “thanks for your solidarity.”
A doctor at al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the Palestinian enclave told the broadcaster that he was “over the moon” due to reports of protests because it meant “that around the world there are human beings who know what is happening here in Gaza Strip right now.”
10:37 GMT
An encampment of pro-Palestine demonstrators at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire was dismantled by police late on Wednesday, just hours after being erected. At least 90 people were arrested for trespassing and resisting officers, according to the police.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has thanked the security forces for “quickly” reacting to the situation. “Peaceful protests are fine, breaking the law is not,” the governor wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
10:34 GMT
Using loudspeakers, police directed demonstrators at an encampment at UCLA to disperse or face arrests and misdemeanor charges, AP has reported. According to Fox News, California Highway Patrol officers with zip ties, crowd-control gear and non-lethal weapons have been deployed on site. Several hundred people remain at the camp, the broadcaster added.
