Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Detained During Columbia University Protest in US

Dozens of pro-Palestinian activists staged a protest at Columbia University, occupying Butler Library to oppose the institution’s ties with Israel. Organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest, demonstrators renamed the library after Palestinian activist Basel Al-Araj. The protest involved chants, drums, and refusal to leave when asked by university officials. Acting president Claire Shipman condemned the protest, citing disruption during exam preparations and injuries to two safety officers. Police were called, and around 80 protesters were arrested for not complying. Columbia denounced antisemitism, violence, and discrimination, highlighting tensions over Israel’s war in Gaza that have sparked protests across U.S. campuses.