Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy Columbia University building

The recent protests on college campuses across the United States and France have been sparked by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The protests, which began at Columbia University in New York, have spread to at least 15 major universities across the US and several universities in France. Students are expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and boycott of Israel along the lines of the 1980s movement to divest from apartheid-era South Africa. Many students perceive Israel as a powerful entity that is committing genocide against the Palestinian people, citing statistics such as at least 34,500 Palestinians killed, including 14,500 children, in Gaza. Some universities, such as Columbia University, have suspended student activists who refused to dismantle protest camps. However, many students and faculty members are supporting the protests, calling for greater awareness and action against human rights violations committed by Israel. The conflict has also led to a broader discussion about the role of universities in addressing social justice issues. Some argue that universities should divest from companies and organizations linked to Israel's military actions, while others believe that such actions would be divisive and harmful.