Tensions escalated at Columbia University in the United States as New York Police Department officers conducted a strict operation to quell an ongoing anti-Israel protest on campus. Amidst a standoff between demonstrators and law enforcement, scores of students were arrested, sparking controversy and concern over the handling of the situation.

The protest, which saw hundreds of students occupying Hamilton Hall, aimed to denounce Israeli aggression and genocide in Gaza. However, the demonstration turned chaotic as police moved in late Tuesday night to disperse the crowd and dismantle barricades erected by protesters.

During the nearly three-hour operation, police used stun grenades to subdue resistance from some protesters who attempted to obstruct their entry onto the campus. Video footage captured officers entering Hamilton Hall through a second-floor window, with university authorities asserting that the intervention was necessary to restore security and order.

Despite claims from the Columbia University administration that the police were summoned to address reports of trespassing and vandalism, the aggressive crackdown has drawn criticism from student activists and civil liberties advocates. Reports of injuries and arrests, including a student who lost consciousness during the operation, have fueled concerns over excessive use of force.

In response to the police action, Columbia University President Nemat Shafique penned a letter affirming that the protesters were trespassers and emphasizing the university's commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment.

The crackdown at Columbia University comes amidst a broader wave of student protests across US campuses condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. The demonstrations have sparked debates over free speech and academic freedom, with clashes between protesters and authorities raising questions about the limits of dissent and protest in academic settings.

As the fallout from the Columbia University incident unfolds, concerns persist over the impact on student activism and the broader discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With tensions running high and emotions raw, the incident underscores the challenges of balancing academic freedom with security concerns in an increasingly polarized environment.