Columbia University President Minouche Shafik Resigns Amid Campus Protests Over Gaza

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned, citing family toll from campus protests over Gaza. Shafik faced criticism from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups. Katrina Armstrong will serve as interim president. The protests led to hundreds of arrests. Shafik plans to return to the British House of Lords.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday, citing the toll campus protests over Gaza took on her family. Her resignation follows criticism from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups regarding the university's actions.

Shafik announced her resignation to allow new leadership before the next term as protests are expected to resume on Sept. 3. She stated, "It has... been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community."

Katrina Armstrong, the current dean of Columbia's medical school, will serve as interim president. The campus saw significant unrest in April and May over Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza, leading to police interventions and numerous arrests.

(With inputs from agencies.)