100+ Columbia students held for Israel protest, may face suspension

More than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on Thursday on the campus of Columbia University after its president authorised New York police to clear an encampment set up by students demonstrating against Israel's actions in Gaza.
Columbia University prez Nemat Minouche Shafik, who a day earlier came under fire from Republicans, at a House of Representatives committee hearing on antisemitism on campus, said she had authorised police to clear dozens of tents set up by protesters on Wednesday morning.
Shafik said the protesters had violated the school's rules and policies against holding unauthorised demonstrations, and were unwilling to engage with administrators.
New York City mayor Eric Adams said police made over 108 arrests without violence or injuries. Police said the arrests were related to trespassing.
Columbia said it had started to suspend students who took part in the encampment, considered an unauthorised protest. At least three students - Isra Hirsi, Maryam Iqbal, and Soph Dinu - received suspension notices from Barnard College, affiliated to Columbia, for participating. Hirsi is the daughter of Rep Ilhan Omar, who expressed support for protesters during Wednesday's hearing at which Shafik testified.