**Pro-Palestinian Encampment Dismantled at UCLA, Arrests Made**
Amidst a nationwide wave of campus protests, police at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) took action to dismantle a fortified encampment established by pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Clearing the Encampment
Early Thursday, hundreds of California Highway Patrol officers arrived on campus wearing riot gear. They encountered resistance from protesters, some of whom formed human chains. Police deployed flash-bangs to disperse the crowd, while using batons to separate themselves from demonstrators. Several arrests were made, as protesters were detained with their hands bound with zip ties.
Weeks of Protests
The encampment had been in place for weeks, following a series of pro-Palestinian protests that have swept across campuses nationwide. The protesters demand that universities cut ties with companies that allegedly support the war in Gaza or do business with Israel.
Clash at UCLA
The police action came after hours of warnings over loudspeakers. On Tuesday night, counterdemonstrators had attacked the encampment, throwing traffic cones and pepper spray. Protesters alleged that the university’s initial response was inadequate, leading to injuries among demonstrators.
International Attention
The police crackdown at UCLA garnered international attention, with Iranian and Qatari news outlets broadcasting live images. Israeli television channels also featured footage from Los Angeles.
Nationwide Protests and Arrests
Similar protests have occurred on numerous campuses across the US, resulting in a total of 38 arrests since April 18th. Over 1,600 individuals have been taken into custody at 30 different universities.
Protesters’ Demands
The demonstrators are calling for an end to the war in Gaza and for universities to divest from companies that allegedly support the conflict. In one instance, Brown University agreed to consider a vote on divestment from Israel in October.
Allegations of Anti-Semitism
Israel and its supporters have accused the campus protests of anti-Semitism. However, protesters and organizers, even those who are Jewish, maintain that the movement is solely focused on Palestinian rights and peaceful opposition to the war.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
