In a display of solidarity with Palestine, anti-Israel protesters established "intifada" encampments at City College of New York (CCNY) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on Thursday. The protests saw participants raising Palestinian flags and setting up makeshift camp areas on the campuses. The demonstrations were centered around demands for divestment from Israel and condemnation of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

At CCNY, the encampment was set up on Thursday morning, rapidly transforming the Convent Avenue campus into a sea of flags and signs. Independent reporter Talia Jane captured footage showing as many as 300 demonstrators present later in the afternoon. Within Our Lifetime organizer Nerdeen Kiswani addressed the crowd, declaring the demonstration as "University Intifada." Kiswani emphasized the protesters' right to control the destination of their tuition fees, asserting that it should not be used to oppress any peoples.

The encampment area featured several signs calling for the City University of New York (CUNY) system to divest from Israel, citing the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. NYPD officers were observed monitoring the perimeter, although the demonstration remained mostly calm. Kiswani warned that any attempts to shut down the protest would be met with anger.

Meanwhile, FIT also witnessed a similar protest, with dozens of individuals, many wearing Palestinian headscarves, storming into a building on Thursday afternoon. As campus security struggled to prevent more protesters from entering, a makeshift camp area was established in the building's lobby. A video from Citizen Free Press captured the intensity of the demonstration.

Despite reports of potential police intervention, no official plans have been made to clear the campuses or arrest the protesters. Although City College is currently on spring break until April 30, it remains unclear if all the protesters were affiliated with the school. CUNY Professor James Hoff mentioned on social media that the demonstration included faculty and union members.

The protests at CCNY and FIT come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The demonstrations seek to raise awareness and demand action on divestment from Israel. As the encampments continue, tensions remain high, and the involvement of law enforcement and campus officials is being closely monitored.

Overall, the protests at CCNY and FIT highlight the ongoing debate surrounding Israel's actions and the calls for divestment in support of the Palestinian cause. The encampments serve as a visible symbol of solidarity and expression of dissent, prompting discussions about the appropriate response and the role of universities in addressing such contentious issues.