What's happened
Universities across the US are facing escalating protests as students demand divestment from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war. Demonstrators have been arrested, suspended, and expelled, with clashes between protesters and police reported at multiple campuses.
Why it matters
The protests highlight growing tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict and the role of universities in supporting or divesting from Israel. The impact of these demonstrations could lead to changes in university policies and financial ties, as well as broader discussions on free speech and activism on campuses.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on the clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and police, while The Times of Israel focuses on accusations of antisemitism and the impact on Jewish students. Al Jazeera covers the spread of protests to Europe and Australia, and Axios provides a broader overview of the arrests and crackdown on student demonstrators.
How we got here
The protests stem from students' opposition to university support for Israel and US funding for Israeli weapons. The demonstrations have intensified over months, with students calling for divestment from companies enabling the conflict. The protests have sparked a nationwide showdown over anti-war activism and free speech on campuses.
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