In an act of solidarity with the ongoing pro-Palestinian movement, Princeton students initiated a sit-in at McCosh Courtyard early Thursday morning. The protest, which followed leaks of documents indicating an upcoming encampment, joined a wave of similar demonstrations across the country.

The university administration, anticipating the encampment, sent an email to undergraduate students on Wednesday morning warning that individuals engaged in disruptive conduct would be arrested and banned from campus. Despite this, students remained undeterred and pressed ahead with their peaceful protest.

A sheet circulated among the participants outlined several demands, including a call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and condemnation of Israel's alleged genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people. Additionally, the students urged the university to divest from companies that profit from or engage in Israel's ongoing military campaign, occupation, and apartheid policies, while also urging a cessation of association with Israeli academic institutions and businesses. They emphasized the need to foster relationships with Palestinian institutions.

During the demonstration, tensions escalated as a protester, identified as Chris Hedges, faced threats of arrest after being banned from campus for 90 days. Hedges denounced the university's response, calling it "atrocious" and emphasizing that the protest was a peaceful and nonviolent stand against what he referred to as "genocide."

As the crowd grew, former New York Times Middle East bureau chief Chris Hedges addressed the protesters, leading them in chants demanding the opportunity to speak. The demonstration attracted the attention of both local and national media outlets, including the NY Post, POLITICO New Jersey, New Jersey 101.5, Channel 12 New York, CNN, and USA Today.

Notably, amid the pro-Palestinian protesters, several individuals displayed posters of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing conflicts and their humanitarian impact. These individuals, identified as Princeton town community members, voiced their concern for the hostages and the need to remember their plight.

Max Weiss, Associate Professor of History at Princeton University, also showed his support by participating in the protest. During his public lecture, he expressed solidarity with colleagues at the University of Texas-Austin who had called for a university-wide strike.

While some counterprotesters briefly assembled, the encampment continued to grow as students chanted and urged others to join their cause. Despite the ongoing protests, classes proceeded, though at least one Classics precept was canceled.

The encampment at McCosh Courtyard and the sit-in signify a groundswell of support for the pro-Palestinian movement across Princeton University. As the demonstration unfolds, organizers and participants remain committed to making their voices heard and advocating for change.

Note: This news article is based on the provided information and does not include any additional details or perspectives.