US University Protests Mark Israel-Hamas Anniversary

In a coordinated series of protests across the United States, students and faculty at several universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, UC Berkeley, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, staged walkouts to protest their universities' ties to Israel and to mark the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas conflict that began on October 7, 2023. These protests, part of a national movement, call for divestment from companies linked to Israel and demand a ceasefire, with protesters highlighting the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians in the past year. Counter protests have also emerged, emphasizing the Israeli casualties and kidnappings during the conflict's outset. Despite political and financial challenges, protestors remain resolute in their demands, citing the moral imperative to act. This movement reflects broader tensions and differing perspectives on the conflict, with students and faculty often facing repercussions for their activism. The protests also intersect with political pressures in the US, as the conflict remains a significant issue influencing domestic and international policy discussions.