The New York Police Department (NYPD) announced on Tuesday the arrest of 133 individuals participating in protests at New York University (NYU) against "Israel's" war on Gaza.

"On Monday, April 22 2024… police responded to an impromptu demonstration at 40 West Fourth Street within the confines of the sixth precinct. Demonstrators affiliated with the NYU Palestine Solidarity coalition had set up tents in the plaza at that location," the NYPD told Sputnik.

"Demonstrators engaged in a counter protest, marched along the sidewalk in an orderly manner. Individuals were taken into custody over the course of the protest. 133 were taken into custody. All were released with some assists."

Arrests began to be made around 8:30 PM local time. Students were reportedly urged by the university to disperse the protest, citing "intimidating chants and several antisemitic incidents," leading to police intervention.

BREAKING NOW: ⚠️ Police have been ordered TO MOVE IN AND ARREST protesting students and facility at NYU encampment for Gaza. pic.twitter.com/3oDptwSWCi

— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) April 23, 2024

Students at multiple universities across the US have rallied in support of their counterparts at Columbia University, who initiated a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" on campus last Wednesday. 

MIT students have been calling for the institution to want the school to cut its ties with the Israeli occupation forces while Emerson students are calling for their institution to support "Palestinian liberation." In this context, US President Joe Biden has denounced the "antisemitic protests" and "those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians."

Protersters action coincided with Columbia President Minouche Shafik's testimony at a congressional hearing on anti-Semitism on April 17. The following day, Shafik authorized the New York Police Department (NYPD) to dismantle the encampment, leading to the suspension and arrest of over 100 individuals, sparking controversy.

Breaking: NYU students and faculty are walking out and holding a mass rally in response to the school's violent crackdown and targeting of professors and students at the Gaza solidarity encampment. pic.twitter.com/fhDkjzgAZm

— Read Let This Radicalize You (@JoshuaPHilll) April 23, 2024

Breaking: Cops are attacking Gaza solidarity encampment at Cal Poly Humboldt after forcing their way through barricades. pic.twitter.com/cT7ph6fSs7

— Read Let This Radicalize You (@JoshuaPHilll) April 23, 2024

Read more: Pro-Palestinian protests surge at US colleges amid walkouts, crackdown

Columbia U declares campus classes to be held hybrid amid protests

Earlier today, Columbia University announced that courses at its Morningside campus are to be held in a  hybrid format for the rest of the spring semester.

In a letter on Monday, the provost’s office said: "Morningside main campus: All courses hybrid - classroom technology permitting - until the end of each school’s Spring 2024 semester" aside from those in "practice-based programs" which would be held "in-person with generous accommodations supported by school deans and staff". 

It continued that faculty "should hold classes remotely" when the hybrid option isn't compatible with some classes, and if students requested online participation.