In a disturbing incident at Columbia University, pro-Palestinian students participating in a rally were targeted with suspected "skunk spray" in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime. The students, involved with the Columbia University Apartheid Divest coalition, had gathered on campus for the "stop the US war machine" rally, demanding an end to U.S. support for Israel's actions in Gaza.

According to social media posts and Maryam Alwan, a spokesperson for Columbia's chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, the incident occurred around 1:50 p.m. on Friday, when protesters began notifying authorities that they had been sprayed with what is believed to be "skunk spray," a non-lethal chemical. Six students submitted complaints to the NYPD, reporting eye irritation and nausea caused by the spray, although they declined medical attention at the time.

Columbia University issued a statement expressing cooperation with local and federal authorities in the investigation. In a follow-up statement, Columbia interim provost Dennis Mitchell noted that the NYPD is taking the lead role in investigating "what appear to have been serious crimes, possibly hate crimes."

The incident has marked a turbulent start to the spring semester at Columbia University, the only Ivy League institution in New York City. The university has been embroiled in frequent protests, faced criticism from prominent donors, and dealt with outside interference following the October 7 attack by Hamas militants in Israel and Israel's ongoing invasion of Gaza.

Alwan, the spokesperson for Students for Justice in Palestine, emphasized that the spray used during the protest was more than a typical stink bomb. Several students have taken to social media, sharing photos of their hospitalization or visits to urgent care due to exposure to the spray. The number of students reporting illness is said to be increasing, with some unable to remove the lingering smell.

According to Alwan, the culprits responsible for the incident were "counter protestors" trying to blend in with the rally participants. Mitchell's statement confirmed that the "alleged perpetrators" had been banned from campus as the investigation continues. However, the police have not made any arrests in connection with the incident at this time.

It is worth noting that in November, Columbia University suspended both the Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace student groups for repeatedly violating university policies related to hosting campus events. Many students involved in these groups participated in Friday's protest, which the university spokesperson claimed was unsanctioned and another violation of university policies.

The October 7 attack in Israel resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, while the ongoing invasion of Gaza by Israeli forces has reportedly claimed the lives of around 25,000 Palestinians, as stated by the Health Ministry.

The investigation into the skunk spray incident underscores the tense atmosphere on campus and highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The university community awaits further developments as authorities work to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.