### Columbia University Students Stage Walkout Amid Protests Commemorating Israel-Hamas Conflict

In a demonstration marking the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas conflict, hundreds of students at Columbia University walked out on Monday afternoon. This event was part of a broader wave of protests planned across multiple campuses in New York City. Anticipating the protest, security barriers were erected around the Columbia campus, limiting access to students and staff.

On a notable lawn where a previous pro-Palestinian encampment was established, students had constructed memorials for Israelis who were killed or captured by Hamas during last year's attacks. Organizing body Within Our Lifetime had arranged for several other demonstrations throughout the city, including one at Washington Square Park at the heart of NYU's campus. Pro-Palestinian student groups across the city also announced their participation in the demonstrations.

These protests come at a critical juncture as campuses tackle new restrictions on speech and gatherings a year after the initial Hamas attack on Israel which has subsequently evolved into an extensive conflict in the Middle East. The academic environment last year was significantly disrupted by similar pro-Palestinian protests, resulting in numerous arrests by the NYPD and impacting graduation plans.

Ahead of this year's anniversary, universities in the area had been promoting peaceful dialogue through revised conduct codes and new protest regulations. In an email sent on Sunday, Columbia University's Interim President, Katrina Armstrong, highlighted the administration’s preparation for potential unrest. Armstrong emphasized efforts to coordinate with groups planning peaceful commemorations but also noted the presence of unsanctioned protests. She expressed particular concern about activities from non-affiliated groups that could escalate to violence.

Monday's walkout saw hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters, many clad in keffiyehs while chanting slogans like "Free, free Palestine" and "There is only one solution, intifada, revolution." Nearby, a contingent of pro-Israel demonstrators countered by waving Israeli flags and playing Hebrew music to drown out the opposing chants.

Spectators, including students and faculty, documented the protests, which displayed faces of hostages taken by Hamas on large cardboard milk cartons. Additionally, outside Columbia's gates, another group sang Hebrew songs and wore sweatshirts emblazoned with "Bring Them Home." The protests were managed by campus police, private security, and NYPD officers using metal barricades.

Britney Prince, a 19-year-old Brooklyn resident, voiced the importance of attending the demonstration despite not being a Columbia student. She remarked on the significant impact the past year had on her life and found solace in the show of mutual support among the protesters.

Students participating in the Columbia walkout aimed to join demonstrations at various Manhattan locations, coordinated by Within Our Lifetime, a group aimed at supporting Palestinian resistance. The conglomerate asserts that the state of Israel should be replaced with one named Palestine, a view endorsed by their cofounder, Nerdeen Kiswani.

In related news, New York City's education department introduced a new hotline for the public school community to report incidents of hate, harassment, or discrimination, further highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding the anniversary. The hotline will operate on weekdays and anonymity is an option for reports.