01:29Tensions were heightened on Columbia University campus on Monday as pro-Palestinian supporters defied an ultimatum from the administration to clear their encampment or face suspension. The students are demanding that the university cut ties with any Israeli-affiliated companies.
Footage shows protesters arguing with police and pushing the barrier circling the entrance, while waving banners and flags. Some of the students were seen being escorted to the police vehicle.
On Monday Columbia University published a statement on X (formerly Twitter) stating that a group of academic leaders and student organisations could not come to an agreement over 'dismantling of the encampment,' stressing that both sides "worked in good faith to reach the common ground."
"We urge those in the encampment to voluntarily disperse. We are consulting with the broader group in our community to explore alternative internal options to end this crisis as soon as possible," reads the statement.
The students' negotiators reported that they made a decision not to dismantle the encampment. They also accused the university administration of 'violent escalation' and added that they could intensify their actions in response.
Later in the day the university administration stated that it had started the process of students' suspension "as part of this next phase of our efforts to ensure safety on our campus."
"Once disciplinary action is initiated, adjudication is handled by several different units within the university based on the nature of the offence," said the statement.
Earlier in the month, police arrested more than 100 protesters at Columbia University in an attempt to disperse a rally.
It sparked a series of pro-Palestinian 'solidarity encampments' on college campuses across the United States.
It comes as fighting in Gaza continues for the seventh month. Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 200 according to Israeli officials.
Israel declared war on the group and a 'complete siege' of Gaza, with a large-scale campaign of air strikes. A ground incursion began at the end of the third week, with Israeli leaders vowing to 'wipe out' Hamas. Palestinian officials reported that at least 34,488 people had been killed and 77,643 injured at the time of publication.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that Hamas locations and infrastructure were targeted in the response. However, United Nations experts warned against 'collective punishment' for the people of Gaza, before predicting a 'humanitarian crisis' and then claimed that 'hell is settling in' for the region.
Tensions flare at barriers as Columbia University suspends students following stalemate in Gaza 'solidarity encampment' talks
Tensions were heightened on Columbia University campus on Monday as pro-Palestinian supporters defied an ultimatum from the administration to clear their encampment or face suspension. The students are demanding that the university cut ties with any Israeli-affiliated companies.
Footage shows protesters arguing with police and pushing the barrier circling the entrance, while waving banners and flags. Some of the students were seen being escorted to the police vehicle.
On Monday Columbia University published a statement on X (formerly Twitter) stating that a group of academic leaders and student organisations could not come to an agreement over 'dismantling of the encampment,' stressing that both sides "worked in good faith to reach the common ground."
"We urge those in the encampment to voluntarily disperse. We are consulting with the broader group in our community to explore alternative internal options to end this crisis as soon as possible," reads the statement.
The students' negotiators reported that they made a decision not to dismantle the encampment. They also accused the university administration of 'violent escalation' and added that they could intensify their actions in response.
Later in the day the university administration stated that it had started the process of students' suspension "as part of this next phase of our efforts to ensure safety on our campus."
"Once disciplinary action is initiated, adjudication is handled by several different units within the university based on the nature of the offence," said the statement.
Earlier in the month, police arrested more than 100 protesters at Columbia University in an attempt to disperse a rally.
It sparked a series of pro-Palestinian 'solidarity encampments' on college campuses across the United States.
It comes as fighting in Gaza continues for the seventh month. Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 200 according to Israeli officials.
Israel declared war on the group and a 'complete siege' of Gaza, with a large-scale campaign of air strikes. A ground incursion began at the end of the third week, with Israeli leaders vowing to 'wipe out' Hamas. Palestinian officials reported that at least 34,488 people had been killed and 77,643 injured at the time of publication.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that Hamas locations and infrastructure were targeted in the response. However, United Nations experts warned against 'collective punishment' for the people of Gaza, before predicting a 'humanitarian crisis' and then claimed that 'hell is settling in' for the region.
Tensions were heightened on Columbia University campus on Monday as pro-Palestinian supporters defied an ultimatum from the administration to clear their encampment or face suspension. The students are demanding that the university cut ties with any Israeli-affiliated companies.
Footage shows protesters arguing with police and pushing the barrier circling the entrance, while waving banners and flags. Some of the students were seen being escorted to the police vehicle.
On Monday Columbia University published a statement on X (formerly Twitter) stating that a group of academic leaders and student organisations could not come to an agreement over 'dismantling of the encampment,' stressing that both sides "worked in good faith to reach the common ground."
"We urge those in the encampment to voluntarily disperse. We are consulting with the broader group in our community to explore alternative internal options to end this crisis as soon as possible," reads the statement.
The students' negotiators reported that they made a decision not to dismantle the encampment. They also accused the university administration of 'violent escalation' and added that they could intensify their actions in response.
Later in the day the university administration stated that it had started the process of students' suspension "as part of this next phase of our efforts to ensure safety on our campus."
"Once disciplinary action is initiated, adjudication is handled by several different units within the university based on the nature of the offence," said the statement.
Earlier in the month, police arrested more than 100 protesters at Columbia University in an attempt to disperse a rally.
It sparked a series of pro-Palestinian 'solidarity encampments' on college campuses across the United States.
It comes as fighting in Gaza continues for the seventh month. Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 200 according to Israeli officials.
Israel declared war on the group and a 'complete siege' of Gaza, with a large-scale campaign of air strikes. A ground incursion began at the end of the third week, with Israeli leaders vowing to 'wipe out' Hamas. Palestinian officials reported that at least 34,488 people had been killed and 77,643 injured at the time of publication.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that Hamas locations and infrastructure were targeted in the response. However, United Nations experts warned against 'collective punishment' for the people of Gaza, before predicting a 'humanitarian crisis' and then claimed that 'hell is settling in' for the region.