Los Angeles, California – Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators clashed on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) amid ongoing protests over the conflict in Gaza. The confrontations mark a continuation of rallies and clashes that have occurred at universities across the United States.
Over the weekend, nationwide protests resulted in numerous arrests as tensions escalated between the two opposing groups. At UCLA, violence erupted when a barrier between the demonstrators was breached, leading to physical altercations.
The White House has emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressing the US government’s respect for the protesters’ rights. However, Kirby condemned reported incidents of antisemitism and hate speech during the demonstrations.
On the UCLA campus, both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups have gathered, with the Israeli American Council organizing counter-protests. Concerns over antisemitism have been raised by various organizations, including the growing encampment of pro-Palestinian supporters.
Demonstrations turned violent at UCLA on Sunday when clashes between the two groups required intervention from campus police to maintain order. The escalation in tensions follows the deadly conflict in the Middle East, with casualties mounting on both sides.
Throughout the US and Canada, students and activists are demanding peaceful resolutions to the conflict and calling for universities to sever financial ties with Israel. The protests have spread to multiple campuses, with arrests being made as demonstrators voice their concerns and demands for change.
Incidents of antisemitism have also been reported on various campuses, leading to fears for the safety of Jewish students. Reports of confrontations, threats, and inflammatory rhetoric have further fueled tensions among student groups.
As protests continue to spread and intensify, universities are grappling with how to respond to the growing unrest, with concerns over escalating violence and disruptions to campus life. The clashes underscore the deep divisions and passionate emotions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East.