In a sign of ongoing tensions regarding the Israel-Hamas war, student protesters have maintained their presence at George Washington University's campus for yet another day. Demonstrations began on Thursday, with hundreds of participants rallying on both the GWU and Georgetown University campuses. As the protests continue, the number of protesters has increased significantly, growing from fewer than 50 in the encampment earlier in the day to over 200 by 11 a.m., according to WTOP reporter Kyle Cooper.

In response to the protests, university workers erected metal fencing around University Yard, prompting most protesters to move onto the streets and surrounding areas while taking their belongings and tents with them. Some students chose to leave the area to avoid potential arrest, citing concerns about their scholarships and future opportunities. However, a group of students remained inside the fenced-off area.

George Washington University notified students at 7:39 a.m., informing them of restricted access to University Yard and the closure of Kogan Plaza, the main campus plaza. The GW Hatchet, a student newspaper, reported at 8:26 a.m. that only protesters willing to risk arrest were still present in University Yard. Chanting resumed around 7 a.m. as university and D.C. police encircled the yard. Later, the chants shifted to focus on the police presence and the Israel-Hamas war.

While the university and D.C. police closely monitored the situation, it remains unclear if police are planning to intervene forcefully or simply ask the students to vacate the area. In a statement issued at 10 a.m., George Washington officials called the protesters trespassers on private property and emphasized that they are violating university regulations. The university pledged to collaborate with D.C. police to secure the area and take disciplinary action against GW students involved in the unauthorized demonstrations.

The student protests have caused disruptions to the law school's final exams, which were originally scheduled to take place in buildings adjacent to the protest encampment. To mitigate noise disturbances, the exams have been relocated to another building on campus. George Washington University explicitly stated in an earlier statement that overnight encampments on university property are not permitted, and students were expected to clear out by 7 p.m. However, police did not intervene when protesters remained beyond the designated deadline, and the university released another statement at 7:50 p.m. reiterating its stance and acknowledging the unauthorized use of university space.

According to reports from The Hatchet, Kogan Plaza was fenced off overnight, and police alarms sounded around 2 a.m., warning of impending student arrests. However, no arrests were made. The encampments began at 5 a.m. on Thursday when 50 tents were pitched in University Yard, a mere three blocks away from the White House. Throughout the morning, the number of demonstrators significantly increased, with participants waving Palestinian flags, beating drums, and chanting slogans. Notably, a group of Georgetown University students and professors joined the protests by staging their walkout and marching to the George Washington campus. Students from other local colleges, including American University, George Mason, and the University of Maryland, also participated in the rally.

The protesters' demands include the university divesting from all relations with Israel and lifting a suspension imposed on a prominent pro-Palestinian student group. Similar demonstrations have occurred nationwide, from California to Connecticut, leading administrators and police at various university campuses to grapple with how to address the pro-Palestinian student protests. One prominent instance is the ongoing encampment at Columbia University, now reaching its tenth day as officials attempt to negotiate with students to dismantle the protest ahead of the school's Friday deadline.

The student protests continue to draw attention and highlight the deep divisions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. As the situation unfolds, both university officials and law enforcement are closely monitoring the demonstrations while engaging in ongoing discussions to address their concerns.