The standoff happened on Deering Meadow on campus. As the sun went down after a day of heated moments, demonstrators still remained unmoved.
[Ads /]
Video earlier in the day showed over 100 people with Israel-supporting flags gathering on university grounds, shouting out "bring them home," referring to the hostages still being held by Hamas.
ABC7 was told pro-Palestinian demonstrators and students formed a human chain around their encampment as the counter protesters came near it.
University police created a barricade between both sides as the conflict went on for about an hour.
"They were trying to infiltrate the encampment. The student managed to de-escalate it, which is great. It remained peaceful and now we're back to just having our encampment for divestment," said Faten Dabis, a supporter of encampment demonstrators.
This comes as demonstrators have occupied Deering Meadow for four days straight, demanding the university to divest from Israel and calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.
[Ads /]
READ MORE | Newly released Hamas video appears to show American citizen among 2 hostages
Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein said some Jewish students organized the counter-protest late Saturday, hoping to shed light on voices that are being unheard right now. Klein noted a moment when both sides seemed to reach a calm.
"There was a lot of shouting going on, but then there was also some dialogue that was going on, which I think was very important," Klein said. "Some people left the chain in order to discuss."
SEE ALSO | 1 arrested after police clash with pro-Palestinian demonstrators at UIUC
There were no reports of anyone hurt or taken into custody during the conflict earlier Sunday.
ABC7 has reached out to the university for a comment, but has yet to hear back.