Protests in support of the people of Gaza have surged across more than 50 universities in the United States, ranging from Ivy League institutions to local state schools. Students have been setting up tents on campuses to voice their solidarity, leading to heightened tensions in recent weeks.
According to statistics from the Associated Press, over 2,000 individuals have been arrested on university campuses since mid-April. The crackdown began with the police clearing protesters' camps at Columbia University, and the movement has since spread to numerous other institutions.
In interviews conducted by CGTN at a protest site in New York, local protesters shared their perspectives on the escalating situation. One youth remarked, \"It's really the cops that are escalating the situations,\" adding, \"Our encampments are very peaceful; rarely people come in and come out.\" Another interviewee expressed her compassion for Palestinian people but stated that she does not support the students' protests.
The ongoing arrests and confrontations highlight the growing divide on college campuses over international issues and the methods of peaceful demonstration.
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U.S. police arrest protesters across campuses as tensions escalate
cgtn.com
