Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel Protesters Clash at UCLA Campus
Thousands Gather at UCLA Campus Backing Opposing Sides
Pro-Palestine and pro-Israel counterprotesters clashed at the University of California, Los Angeles campus on Sunday, as college demonstrations across the nation continue to intensify. Fights erupted between isolated members of the two groups before a counterprotest organized by the Israeli American Council, reported the Daily Bruin. Thousands of individuals gathered at the heart of UCLA’s campus, demonstrating support for both sides of the protest.
Attempts to Breach Barriers Lead to Skirmishes
In the early morning, a small number of counterprotesters made an effort to breach the university’s erected barriers to separate the opposing protest groups, according to the Bruin. Later, pro-Palestine protesters managed to breach the same barriers, resulting in minor skirmishes.
University Condemns the Clashes
UCLA’s vice chancellor and spokesperson, Mary Osako, denounced the clashes, stating, “This morning, a group of demonstrators breached a barrier that the university had established separating two groups of protestors on our campus, resulting in physical altercations. UCLA has a long history of being a place of peaceful protest, and we are heartbroken about the violence that broke out.”
Peaceful Protests Despite the Skirmishes
Despite the skirmishes, the protests remained largely peaceful, as reported by the Bruin. No arrests were made in connection to the clashes.
College Students Demand Divestment and Criticize Biden Administration
In an ongoing national movement, college students across the country have been occupying campus public spaces to protest against the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war and to call for divestment from Israeli interests. Students have durably captured the political spotlight, with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), and numerous members of Congress, from various political affiliations, participating in demonstrations at Columbia University, where protests first began.
Protests Fail to Influence Biden Administration’s Stance
Despite the protests, the Biden administration’s policy has not been altered, with the demonstrations being largely denounced as antisemitic. Various Republican leaders, including Mike Johnson, have urged President Biden to deploy the National Guard to suppress these movements, yet the President has declined these calls.
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