In a night marred by violence and chaos, clashes erupted between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators on the campus of UCLA, leading to the cancellation of classes on Wednesday. The clashes began when counter-protesters attempted to break down a pro-Palestinian encampment on the Westwood campus, triggering fights and altercations that lasted for over three hours before law enforcement intervened.

During the clashes, which started around 11 p.m., there was an absence of police or campus security presence, allowing tensions to escalate. Punches were thrown, and makeshift weapons such as plywood and metal barricades were used. Fireworks were ignited near the encampments, adding to the chaos that unfolded throughout the night.

Notably, external police units started arriving around 1:30 a.m., but they did not immediately intervene and remained on the perimeter. It was not until 3 a.m. that a significant police presence, led by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, was established, gradually dispersing the crowd that had begun to thin out. The response time of law enforcement drew criticism from Governor Gavin Newsom, who labeled the delayed police response as "unacceptable" and condemned the violence.

The University of California president's office reported 15 injuries, with one individual being hospitalized. The involvement of UCLA students among the protesters involved in the fighting remains unclear.

The response to the violence has been swift, with UC President Michael V. Drake calling for a detailed review of how the incident was handled. An independent external review will assess UCLA's planning and actions, as well as the effectiveness of the mutual aid response, ensuring better preparation for future events.

In the aftermath of the clashes, UCLA classes were canceled for the day. Royce Hall is expected to remain closed until Friday, and Powell Library is scheduled to reopen on Monday.

UCLA students and alumni expressed their dismay at the violence that unfolded on their campus. The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles issued a statement condemning the actions of a few counter-protesters, emphasizing that they do not represent the Jewish community's values and advocating for peaceful, civic discourse.

Further reports detailed additional incidents of violence, with UCLA student reporters from the Daily Bruin claiming that four of their members were assaulted during the clashes. The extent of the injuries and the nature of the assault are yet to be fully determined.

The clashes at UCLA are part of a broader wave of protests occurring nationwide, with tent encampments of pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for universities to sever ties with Israel or companies supporting the war in Gaza. The crackdown by police has resulted in over 1,000 arrests across the country. Similarly, Columbia University saw police intervention as they entered the campus to clear a tent encampment and disperse protesters who had occupied Hamilton Hall.

The incidents at UCLA and other universities highlight the heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, sparking a renewed debate on campuses nationwide. The violence and disruptions to campus life have led to calls for stricter measures and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing protests.

While the scene at UCLA has now calmed, investigations and reviews are set to take place to ensure a better response to potential future incidents and maintain a safe environment for all students on campus.

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