Pro-Palestinian Protest Erupts at Columbia University

Dozens of Columbia University students were arrested after occupying the school's main library in a pro-Palestinian demonstration, one of the largest since protests against Israel's actions in Gaza. The university sought police assistance, citing trespassing, amid broader debates on academic freedom and accusations of antisemitism.

Dozens of students from Columbia University were taken into custody on Wednesday after seizing part of the school's main library in a significant pro-Palestinian demonstration. The protest marks one of the most prominent campus actions since last year's anti-Israel protests in response to the Gaza conflict.

Columbia officials called for law enforcement support, labeling the protest as trespassing. This follows a series of contentious interactions with U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized such demonstrations as antisemitic, a claim refuted by student organizers, including Jewish participants.

The arrests came as campus security attempted to secure the site, resulting in scuffles at the library entrance. Among broader activist demands are calls for Columbia to divest from companies associated with Israeli military activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)