Israel supporters show up at pro-Palestinian encampment at Northwestern, resulting in standoff
EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Sunday marked the first time counter-protesters showed up on the Northwestern University campus since pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up an encampment on Thursday.
The standoff happened on Deering Meadow on campus. As the sun went down after a day of heated moments, demonstrators still remained unmoved.
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.
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."
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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.
