In recent days, college campuses across the United States have become the hotspots of a growing movement against Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza. Demonstrations at Emory University in Atlanta and several other locations, including Harvard University, Emerson College, the University of Southern California, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, and the University of Texas at Austin, have resulted in hundreds of arrests and tensions running high.

At Emory University, protesters gathered in the early hours of Thursday morning, setting up an encampment on the quad. While the initial group was not affiliated with the university, some members of the Emory community later joined in. Chanting slogans in support of Palestinians and against the construction of a public safety training center in Atlanta, the protesters faced confrontation from the school's police department. Upon being deemed as trespassers, around two dozen individuals were taken into custody and the quad was cleared, with video footage showing officers using force, including a stun gun on a pinned protester.

Similar scenes unfolded at Emerson College in Boston, where police clashed with pro-Palestinian demonstrators at an alleyway camp. Chaos ensued as officers attempted to break up the protest, resulting in 108 arrests and injuries to four police officers. Students standing in solidarity were detained, while witnesses described the intensifying atmosphere and heavy police presence.

Harvard University, anticipating protests, restricted access to Harvard Yard and implemented regulations regarding tents and tables. However, this did not deter demonstrators, who erected a camp with 14 tents after a rally against the university's suspension of the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee. As tensions escalated, Harvard enforced security measures to address safety concerns.

The University of Southern California also faced significant unrest, with 93 arrests made during a protest. Students had gathered to protest the cancellation of a planned commencement speech by the school's pro-Palestinian valedictorian. Scuffles with the police caused disruptions, and eventually, demonstrators were detained one by one.

At the University of Texas at Austin, local and state police intervened forcefully against protesters, resulting in 34 arrests. Mounted police and officers carrying batons engaged with the demonstrators, leading to clashes and criticism of an alleged overreaction. Students criticized the heavy police presence and expressed concerns about the impact on their graduation plans.

These protests, seen on campuses from coast to coast, are fueled by demands for divestment and cutting financial ties with Israel in response to the prolonged conflict with Hamas. However, some Jewish students have expressed concerns, claiming that the demonstrations have veered into anti-Semitism and generated fear among students.

As the demonstrations continue to unfold, universities face the challenge of navigating these protests, particularly with the upcoming commencement ceremonies in May. Negotiations and attempts to clear encampments at Columbia University in New York have resulted in numerous arrests, with ongoing talks to find resolutions. The university's president faced criticism from politicians, while rumors of the National Guard's potential intervention were dismissed.

While tensions and arrests persist, the protests highlight a growing divide on college campuses regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Students are raising their voices to advocate for their respective causes, demanding change and transparency from their universities.