Dozens arrested in new pro-Palestinian protests at University of California, Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — Police have thwarted attempts by pro-Palestinian protesters to establish a new encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles, where officers emptied a former camp this spring after it was attacked by counterattacks. -protesters.

About 25 people were arrested Monday evening for willfully disrupting university operations and one for obstructing an officer, UCLA police said in a statement. The individuals were cited, given 14-day orders to stay away from UCLA, and then released.

Protesters repeatedly attempted to set up tents, canopies and barriers as they moved to different locations, disrupting final exams nearby. The group also damaged a fountain, spray-painted brick walkways, tampered with fire safety equipment, damaged patio furniture, removed wires from electrical appliances and vandalized vehicles, the release said.

Protest camps have sprung up on college campuses across the United States and Europe, with students demanding that their universities stop doing business with Israel or companies that support its war efforts. Organizers sought to amplify calls to end Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, which they call a genocide against Palestinians.

UCLA has been repeatedly rocked by protests and the university administration's handling of the situation.

At one point, a pro-Palestinian encampment was attacked by counter-protesters, with no immediate response from police, and dozens of people were subsequently arrested as the camp was emptied. The episode led to the reassignment of the campus police chief and the creation of a new campus security office. A subsequent attempt to establish a new camp was also blocked.

Monday's protest comes just days before the University of California, UCLA's regents' meeting and commencement ceremonies next weekend.