Columbia University President Minouche Shafik Resigns Amid Gaza Protests Controversy

Minouche Shafik, Columbia University's president, has resigned following criticism from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups over the university's handling of protests concerning Israel's war in Gaza. Her decision aims to allow new leadership to address campus challenges. Shafik's tenure saw significant campus unrest and numerous arrests.

In a significant development, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday after the university faced intense backlash from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups over its handling of campus protests about Israel's war in Gaza.

The turmoil stems from a period where Columbia was rocked by demonstrations opposing the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and led to hundreds of arrests. Shafik's decision to call the police onto campus to control the protests was met with criticism from all sides.

Katrina Armstrong, the current executive vice president for health and biomedical services, will serve as the interim president. Shafik's resignation was seen as overdue by critics like Republican U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, who has accused her of failing to protect Jewish students.

(With inputs from agencies.)