Columbia Campus Crisis: Anti-Israel Protest Escalates, Campus Locked Down

Columbia University has been forced to close its campus indefinitely after an unruly mob of anti-Israel protesters broke into an academic building early Tuesday morning, barricading doors and disrupting normal operations.

Columbia University has been thrust into chaos following an anti-Israel protest that has escalated into a campus-wide lockdown. The disturbance began early Tuesday morning when a group of demonstrators stormed Hamilton Hall, an iconic building on the Manhattan campus.

According to Columbia Spectator, the student newspaper, protesters barricaded the entrances with metal gates, wooden tables, and chairs, and used zip-ties to seal doors shut. They also smashed windows and unfurled a Palestinian flag over one of them. Footage of the incident captured protesters chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and vows to remain until the university meets their demands.

In response to the escalating situation, the university administration issued a statement ordering the immediate closure of the Morningside campus. Access is now strictly restricted to students residing in on-campus dorms and essential personnel providing critical services. The university emphasized that the safety of its community is paramount and requested understanding from students and staff.

Law enforcement was alerted to the disturbance and arrived on campus to assess the situation. Columbia University President Minouche Shafik reportedly appealed to the agitators, but negotiations failed to resolve the issue. The university has since confirmed that officers will sweep the "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" established by the protesters outside Hamilton Hall.

The protesters have outlined three specific demands to the university: divestment of financial support for Israel, increased transparency in investments, and blanket amnesty for participating students from any potential consequences. They are calling for a boycott of Israeli goods and services and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories.

The university administration has condemned the protestors' actions, labeling them "a serious breach of community conduct." Dean of Students Suzanne Goldberg expressed disappointment that the demonstration descended into disruption and property damage.

The campus lockdown has disrupted final exams for students, who were scheduled to begin this week. The university has announced that exams will be rescheduled to ensure fairness for all students.

Law enforcement and university officials are working to restore order and ensure the safety of the campus. The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as the day progresses.