UCLA cancels classes due to escalating tensions over Gaza conflict on US campuses

University campuses across the United States were rocked by violent clashes and protests over the war in Gaza, with tensions escalating from New York to Los Angeles. The University of California, Los Angeles was forced to cancel classes after a violent attack on pro-Palestinian student demonstrators by counter-protesters. In New York, Columbia University saw a dramatic raid by police in riot gear to quash anti-Israel demonstrations, leading to 282 arrests.

The situation at Columbia and City College in New York prompted the move to remote classes for the remainder of the academic year, with a police presence remaining on campus until after graduation. Meanwhile, a new encampment sprung up at Fordham University in Manhattan, further escalating tensions.

The clashes at UCLA saw the use of pepper spray and fireworks, with police arriving in riot gear to try and control the situation. LA mayor Karen Bass called for a full investigation into the violence, while California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the university’s response as unacceptable.

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles condemned the violence and called for the closure of encampments, while also criticizing the UCLA administration. The clashes at UCLA followed controversy at the nearby University of Southern California, where the graduation speech by a Muslim valedictorian was cancelled due to security concerns.

The protests at Columbia demanded divestment from companies profiting from Israel, leading to accusations of antisemitism. The situation prompted comparisons to the anti-Vietnam war demonstrations at Columbia in 1968. As tensions eased and campuses returned to normalcy, the aftermath of the clashes left a sense of unease and division among students and faculty.