In an early morning operation on Thursday, law enforcement officers cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), leading to the arrest of hundreds of protesters who defied orders to leave. The encampment, which had been fortified with plywood, metal barriers, and other materials, was dismantled by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers in riot gear.

The situation escalated on Wednesday evening when a dispersal order was issued, and by 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, officers began advancing towards the encampment. The sound of flash-bangs and police helicopters filled the air as police moved in to dismantle the barricades and remove tents and other equipment.

According to the sheriff's department, at least 200 people were arrested and detained with zip ties. The fate of the arrested protesters, whether they will face charges or be released, remains uncertain. Reports indicate that most of the detained individuals went peacefully, with one young man briefly pinned to the ground before being escorted away.

The encampment at UCLA had attracted hundreds of supporters both inside the barricaded tent area and outside. Throughout the night, officers warned of impending arrests using loudspeakers. A confrontational scene unfolded as CHP officers faced off with protesters wearing helmets and gas masks, while chanting, "you want peace. We want justice."

As officers worked their way through the encampment, protesters formed a line and linked arms, engaging in face-to-face confrontations with law enforcement. The number of detainees swelled into the hundreds as the morning progressed.

The encampment was eventually cleared of protesters, but their tents, equipment, and other items were left behind. It remains unclear how many of those detained were students. The presence of law enforcement officers on campus stood in contrast to the previous day when counter-demonstrators attacked the pro-Palestinian encampment, drawing criticism for the delayed response of UCLA administration and campus police.

Tuesday night had witnessed clashes between protesters and counter-protesters, resulting in at least 15 injuries. The absence of police presence for several hours during the unrest allowed for the use of makeshift weapons, such as metal barricades and plywood, as well as the deployment of bear spray and tear gas.

As tensions continue to escalate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the dismantling of the pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA serves as a symbolic event reflecting the ongoing division and activism surrounding the issue. The aftermath of this clearance will likely spark further debates and discussions on freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly.