On the night of April 30, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators forcefully entered Hamilton Hall, the administrative building of Columbia University's Manhattan campus. They barricaded themselves inside, refusing to leave until the university administration agreed to their demands.
According to Fox News, students and activists smashed windows and chanted slogans like "From the sea to the river, Palestine will be free!" and "Free Palestine!" The demonstrators formed a human chain around Hamilton Hall. Police are present but have not yet entered the building.
Reports indicate that several individuals were inside the building during the siege and were not immediately released. One of them, upon being freed, described the demonstrators' actions as a form of hostage-taking.
The protesters are calling for an end to the university's collaboration with Israel, including financial ties, transparency regarding investments, and amnesty for all participants in anti-Israel demonstrations.
