UCLA Radio’s live coverage of these events began Monday, April 29. Any perspectives shared below do not reflect the views of ASUCLA Student Media.
Early Thursday morning, students at UCLA set up an encampment in Dickson Court to demand that the UC disclose their assets and divest from companies involved in Israel’s war on Gaza. The encampment has since steadily expanded while demonstrators peacefully engage in a variety of programming led by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). This post seeks to provide the most up-to-date information and developments concerning UCLA’s movements for Palestinian liberation, and will be continually updated.
News Hour will be live today (Wednesday May 1) from 4-5pm, where the News Department will cover the encampment and the Zionist violence on campus. An additional News Hour will take place from 6-7pm, focusing on the continued assault on Gaza.
Wednesday, May 1 2024
On-Campus Demonstrations – Live Coverage:
4/30/2024 – 11:02am: Students continue to rebuild the encampment [Updated 11:35am]
Following the violent attacks by Zionists last night, students and organizers are repairing the damage done across the encampment. A speech is currently being given, but it is difficult to hear on the quad. The following supplies are urgently needed: headlamps, airsoft goggles, gas masks/respirators, skater helmets, shields, wood (for barriers), knee and elbow pads, rain ponchos, canopies, utility gloves, charged flashlights with strobe, and umbrellas. Epi-Pens, non-steroid inhalers, and organizational bins are also needed. Refer to SJP’s list for the most up-to-date needs, or if you would like to donate food.
Israel’s War in Gaza:
5/1/2024 – 9:35am: Morning News Coverage
This update seeks to inform students about Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. We urge students to continue to engage in this issue, and stay safe as counter-protesters continue to threaten violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told US Secretary of State Blinken that he will not accept a deal that would end the war in Gaza. Hamas will reportedly respond to the deal, which would entail a 40-day ceasefire in return for release of captives, within the next day or two. According to a senior Hamas official, Al-Hindi, doubt of a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is a major obstacle to the deal going forward.
Jordan’s Petra News Agency reports an attack on an aid convoy by Israeli settlers. Four men have reportedly been arrested for blocking humanitarian aid, but it is unclear if these are the same as those reported by the Petra News Agency. The number of land trucks that have entered Gaza with aid now stands at 1,242, while UN officials and the US continue to urge Israel to take steps to ensure adequate humanitarian relief and aid worker safety. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to “an end to occupation” and a two-state solution. In this statement, he called for “a fully independent, democratic, viable, contiguous & sovereign Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.”
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has said that Gaza is filled with more debris than Ukraine, despite Gaza’s frontline only being about 4.2% the length of Ukraine’s. Gaza currently has 300 kilograms of debris per square meter, and UNMAS says that clearing this debris is unusually dangerous due to the quantity of asbestos and unexploded munitions buried under the rubble.
Palestinian human rights groups have confirmed that 1,000 Gaza workers who were in Israel on October 7 are missing. Israel has not disclosed any information about their health or whereabouts. This confirmation comes as the death toll in Gaza has risen to 35,060 Palestinians, while at least 492 have been killed in the occupied West Bank.
Counter-Protest Violence – Live Coverage:
***Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) has asked students to bring inhalers, saline spray, wound wash, goggles, and face visors. They encourage students to drop these supplies off on Tongva Steps in groups of three or four.*** [Updated 10:10am]
5/1/2024 – 8:20am: UCLA cancels classes due to violence
Due to the attacks of counter-protesters on student demonstrators last night, UCLA has canceled all classes today (Wednesday, May 1). Royce Hall and Powell Library will remain closed, and law enforcement remains present on campus.
UCLA Radio reporters concluded coverage for the night at 4:16am. We are currently working to update our news stream. [Updated 8:42am]
5/1/2024 – 3:32am: CHP officers move counter-protestors towards Portola Plaza [Updated 3:37am]
CHP officers have slowly moved counter-protestors from the sidewalk near Kaplan Hall towards Portola plaza, in the opposite direction of the encampment. No arrests appear to have been made.
5/1/2024 – 3:19am: CHP pushes counter-protestors off of Dickson court [Updated 3:25am]
A line of CHP officers have pushed counter-protestors off of the lawn in Dickson court. The group of counter-protestors remains on the sidewalk in front of Kaplan Hall.
5/1/2024 – 2:45am: Police begin to corral counter-protestors, no arrests made [Updated 2:50am]
CHP and LAPD officers enter a crowd of counter-protestors, moving the group about 100ft towards Haines Hall.
5/1/2024 – 2:18am: More instances of demonstrators being pepper sprayed
Counter-protesters come back to attack the barricade, resulting in demonstrators and representatives from SJP being maced.
5/1/2024 – 1:51am: Police have shown up at Dickson Plaza [Updated 2:10am]
LAPD officers in riot gear (with batons and riot munition) have shown up to the quad and are standing near the flagpole in Dickson Plaza. The encampment is locked down at the moment, but supplies are still needed. More LAPD cars have been reported to be driving to campus from the Wilshire division.
Counter-protesters cheer “USA” as police arrive, then parade around them as they secure the perimeter. They shout “thank yous” for “making things better”. As the counter-protesters leave the barricade to welcome LAPD, the violence sees a lull.
5/1/2024 – 1:46am: Counter-protesters are retreating once again
A large portion of the crowd of counter-protesters has retreated from the quad as of now. A counter-protester has attempted to tase an individual from SJP. Counter-protesters are following a retreat-and-attack pattern, where violence occurs in waves.
5/1/2024 – 1:32am: LAPD arrives on campus with riot gear [Updated 1:44am]
Law enforcement officers from LAPD have been reported on campus, prepared with riot gear. Cops are reported to be moving in to the quad shortly.
5/1/2024 – 1:26am: Counter-protesters continue to provoke demonstrators [Updated 1:28am]
Rocks and other objects are being thrown into the encampment by counter-protesters. Attempts are being made to pull away at the barricade, the plywood and the umbrellas protecting the encampment. There are reports of injuries among demonstrators as a result of objects being hurled over the wall. Counter-protesters tear away the Palestinian flag from the barricade, proceeding to spit on the flag and subsequently tear it apart.
5/1/2024 – 1:14am: California Highway Patrol (CHP) has entered the quad [Updated 1:16am]
California Highway Patrol has entered the premises, as the violence ebbs and flows. Counter-protesters continue to show up in gas masks. LAPD is reported to be en-route. The number of counter-protesters seems to have dwindled, but there are still escalations taking place.
5/1/2024 – 1:04am: LAPD converging in Westwood, violence re-escalates [Updated 1:11am]
A set of LAPD cars are currently meeting on the intersection of Westwood Blvd and La Conte Ave. Counter-protesters have rushed towards the barricade, taking apart pieces of plywood and stomping on ones with messages painted on. The use of tear gas has been recorded once again. A lone demonstrator exits East of the quad and is attacked by a hoarde of counter-protesters. As anarchy continues and peaceful protesters continue to be attacked by counter-protesters, there is still no law enforcement present at the scene.
5/1/2024 – 12:41am: Law enforcement still not at the scene [Updated 12:56am]
UCPD and LAPD have still not come to the scene, more than an hour after counter-protesters began shooting fireworks and pepper spray into the encampment. After a brief lull in violence, counter-protesters have resumed taking down walls, then jumping on and destroying the pieces of plywood. Counter-protesters are additionally utilizing blinding lasers, and have begun leaving the east side of Dickson Court: it is unclear where they are headed.
5/1/2024 – 12:33am: Student reporters teargassed by counter-protesters [Updated 12:38am]
Reporters for a student media organization on campus have reportedly been teargassed at the scene by counter-protesters. UCPD hung up on these reporters after they called, which has been reported by several students at UCLA this evening. A crowd of counter-protesters starts to leave the scene as a new firework is set off.
5/1/2024 – 12:21am: Medics enter the encampment [Updated 12:30am]
Medics have entered the encampment from the Tongva Steps, while counter-protesters are reportedly meeting in Parking Structure 4. Counter-protesters continue to attempt to tear down the barricade, who have used the fencing and sticks to attack the demonstrators. Outbreaks of violence are becoming more frequent as the situation continues to escalate. It is unclear where the UCPD cars have gone, nearly half an hour after they were seen driving down Gayley Avenue.
5/1/2024 – 12:02am: UCPD approaches the scene [Updated 12:09am]
Seven UCPD cars are driving down Gayley Ave, heading towards Dickson Court. It is unclear whether these belong to LAPD or UCPD. Counter-protesters are generally moving closer to the barricade; a new firework has been launched. Drinks are being thrown across the barricade. Other projectiles that have reportedly been used as weapons include a bicycle and fire extinguisher. LAPD has confirmed in a statement that it is not on the scene, but on standby and coordinating with UCPD, while demonstrators are moving the barricade forward to increase the distance between students and counter-protesters.
Tuesday, April 30 2024
On-Campus Demonstrations – Live Coverage:
4/30/2024 – 11:42pm: Disruption reported near Kaplan Hall. LAPD withdraws (Updated 11:59pm)
A disruption was reported to take place by the side of Kaplan Hall, causing individuals to run towards Pritzker Hall. Media coverage has increased around the quad, with over 5 helicopters circling the area. The disruption has been de-escalated. LAPD has withdrawn, claiming that UCPD has jurisdiction over the area; UCPD is not currently at the scene and CSC security is standing by at the perimeter. Demonstrators have covered the barricade with umbrellas to guard themselves from fireworks and mace. At least two injuries have been reported at this time. An ambulance has entered UCLA from Hilgard Avenue.
4/30/2024 – 11:15pm: Scene escalates with counter-protesters, LAPD on the scene [Updated 11:32pm]
Following increased violence from the counter-protesters (attempts to break through the barricade, setting off fireworks and pepper spraying demonstrators), LAPD has arrived at the scene. One counter-protester has thrown a firework at a demonstrator from SJP. Barricades to the encampment have been torn apart, and students are reportedly carrying a seriously injured demonstrator from the scene.
4/30/2024 – 11:00pm: Counter-protesters attempt to enter encampment [Updated 11:05pm]
Counter-protesters are currently trying to enter the encampment from the East side of Dickson Court (between Kaplan and Haines Hall). They are throwing a variety of objects over the barricade and at least ten demonstrators have reportedly been pepper sprayed by the counter-protesters, who are now setting off fireworks next to the encampment. A group of about 60 counter-protesters are making attempts to break through the barricade set up by the encampment personnel.
Israel’s War in Gaza:
4/30/2024 – 9:15pm: Evening News Coverage
Israeli negotiators are reportedly meeting mediators in Cairo amid talks for a 40-day ceasefire in exchange for release of captives. Hopes for a ceasefire have become more desperate as the Israeli military is continually poised to assault the southern city of Rafah, a ground operation that is “immediately on the horizon,” according to UN relief chief Martin Griffiths. Griffiths also warns that such a ground assault would “strike a disastrous blow” and “spell even more trauma and death.”
An air attack in the center of Gaza City has killed and injured several, with the search for bodies ongoing, according to the Wafa news agency. A raid on Fawwar refugee camp by Israeli forces, in the occupied West Bank, has resulted in the arrest of three Palestinians. They have also stormed other cities and camps across the West Bank, including the Dheisheh camp in Bethlehem.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that the military offensive in Rafah will go forward “with or without a deal, to achieve total victory”. He has expressed that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) plan to conduct their ground offensive, regardless of whether a truce-for-hostages deal is struck.
The US state department has found five units of the Israeli military responsible for human rights violations in individual incidents, but says they will continue to receive US military backing. These incidents took place outside of Gaza before the current war. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel has stated “Four of these units have effectively remediated these violations, which is what we expect partners to do. For a remaining unit, we continue to be in consultations and engagements with the government of Israel; they have submitted additional information as it pertains to that unit”.
Additionally, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the mass graves recently uncovered by Palestinian authorities in Gaza. “It is imperative that independent international investigators with forensic expertise are allowed the immediate access to the sites of these mass graves to establish the precise circumstances under which the Palestinians lost their lives and were buried or reburied” says Guterres.
Civilians must be protected, and their needs must be met… Improvements in bringing more aid into Gaza cannot be used to prepare for or justify a full-blown military assault on Rafah.
Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
On-Campus Demonstrations – Live Coverage:
4/30/2024 – 9:45pm: Counter-protesters remain on the east side of the encampment [updated 10:09pm]
Counter-protesters are currently playing music and pointing a strobe light towards demonstrators in the encampment, mostly concentrated on the corner adjacent to Kaplan Hall. Music includes remixes of “Baby Shark,” the Gummy Bear song, “Who Let the Dogs Out,” and the National Anthem. Students in the encampment are facing counter-protesters, silently holding signs calling for divestment and Palestinian liberation.
4/30/2024 – UCLA issues notices around the encampment
UCLA officials have erected signs around the encampment, stating that it is “unlawful” and “violates university policy.” The notice also reads that “students, staff and faculty who have joined the encampment should identify themselves” to officials or security, and warns that those who remain could face “sanctions,” which could entail dismissal.
4/30/2024 – 8:15pm: Situation at Tongva de-escalates
The situation at the Tongva Steps has de-escalated. The barricades surrounding the encampment remain as of now, and campus security is still present at the top of the steps. Counter-protesters are present on the other side of the quad and appear to play loud music accompanied by flashing lights amidst a large stage set-up.
4/30/2024 – 7:15pm: Individual with bear-spray reportedly leaving central campus [updated 7:33pm]
The man with bear-spray appears to be heading away from the encampment, in the direction of Luskin Turnaround. He is also reportedly carrying a pocket knife. As of 7:33pm, the individual with pliers has also left the encampment entrance at Tongva Steps.
4/30/2024 – 6:30pm: Individual reported with bear-spray at Tongva Steps [updated 7:02pm]
A middle-aged male in a black jacket and a black ski mask has been pointed out by UCLA CSC staff to be carrying 8ml of bear-spray. The individual has made attempts to talk with the front lines and has been videoing people down the Tongva Steps. He additionally kicked in a sign between Royce and the Tongva Steps that read “Let Gaza live.” As of 7:02pm, he is at the entrance to Dickson Court between Powell Library and Kaplan Hall. Another individual wearing a grey hoodie and carrying pliers remains on top of the Tongva Steps.
4/30/2024 – 6:10pm: Dickson Court has been blocked off
Dickson Court is currently blocked to those without encampment wristbands. Organizers are currently working on a system to readmit new demonstrators. All entries are paused, but many are on standby outside. The encampment appears peaceful with campus security present at the perimeters.
4/30/2024 – 5:15pm: Chancellor Block’s office threatens demonstrators with suspension [updated 5:25pm]
UCLA officials have brought flyers to the encampment, ordering students and nonstudents alike to leave Royce Quad on the grounds that it is “unauthorized.” SJP organizers are currently announcing these risks to demonstrators at Dickson Court. Chancellor Block is threatening disciplinary action and “sanctions” against students and staff alike, and an email has been sent to UCLA students, informing them that barriers to the encampment have been removed.
No violence has been recorded by demonstrators within the encampment, only by counter-protestors and law enforcement. Administration is currently seeking to negotiate with student organizers.
4/30/2024 – 3:45pm: Chancellor Gene Block to testify in Congress
Virginia Foxx, a Republican representative from North Carolina & Chairwoman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, has called for UCLA Chancellor Gene Block to testify before her committee on May 23. Gene Block has become one of the targets of the demonstrators for Palestinian liberation, who criticize him for not using his position to divest from companies involved in Israel’s assault on Gaza. Counterprotestors have also attacked Block for not taking sufficient action to combat what they believe to be antisemitism on UCLA’s campus, which will be the focus of Foxx’s probe.
Foxx has additionally called upon the heads of Yale University and the University of Michigan as part of a probe into their alleged “dereliction of duty to [their] Jewish students.” Similar hearings contributed to the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay earlier this year, as well as the organization of the encampment at Columbia University that sparked the national encampment movement in the past weeks. Simultaneously, House Speaker Mike Johnson has called for policy change that would further enable police entering university campuses in response to student demonstrations.
4/30/2024 – 1:23pm: Daily Programming – People’s Assembly
In this encampment, there is a focus on taking care of each other. This assembly provides an emphasis on the safety of individuals within the encampment, following community guidelines and protecting disabled/vulnerable communities. “We are here and we are grounded in the fact that people in Gaza are being carpet bombed everyday. We are doing this for them and we stay grounded for them!”
Camp workers express appreciation for facilities workers and grounds workers, who make it possible for the encampment to keep functioning.
A guided meditation and prayer is then conducted for grounding and for solidarity with Palestine.
This is then followed with an informational segment, which informs the community of developments around the world pertaining to the war in Gaza and the global movements for a ceasefire.
After this update, an encampment participant gives a speech reminding of why we are here. News updates regarding what is happening in Palestine and the deteriorating conditions motivate people and remind them of the purpose of the encampment: complete divestment – “we want to stop making a material contribution of the genocide. We are here to help in solidarity with Gaza”.
The assembly winds down with group discussions opening up, for campers to think about how they can contribute to the encampment and how the community can protect each other. People are encouraged to talk and discuss these issues so the encampment can go on longer and work towards the ultimate goal of achieving divestment.
We want to stop making a material contribution of the genocide. We are here to help in solidarity with Gaza.
Encampment Speaker
Israel’s War in Gaza:
4/30/2024 – 10:15am: Morning News Coverage
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his promise of a ground assault in the southern city of Rafah, where a million displaced Palestinians are currently sheltering. Netanyahu has referred to this assault as necessary for “total victory,” and that it will happen “with or without a deal.” Israeli military communications suggest that, if a ceasefire deal is not reached, the assault on Rafah will be approved “in the coming days.” A Hamas delegation is currently composing a written response to the 40-day ceasefire deal, in exchange for release of hostages. Spectators are warning that this ceasefire deal may be the last chance to stall an assault on Rafah, which aid groups and officials from various countries, including the UK, have warned would be disastrous.
The ICJ has rejected Nicaragua’s case that sought to bar Germany from supplying arms and aid to Israel under the 1948 Genocide Convention. Judge Salam stated that the court is “deeply concerned about the catastrophic living conditions of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” but did not order Germany to resume funding UNRWA. On Friday, Lebanon’s cabinet voted for the Foreign Affairs Ministry to accept the ICC’s jurisdiction to investigate war crimes within its borders.
Dr Paul Reavley, former British Army medic, observes that “the children [in Gaza] sort of underplay their pain… complaints about pain seem trivial” in comparison to the trauma experienced by all Palestinians. The death toll in Gaza has risen to at least 35,072 Palestinians, as well as 77,074 injured. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has stated that “incremental progress” has been made in delivering aid to Gaza, but “the lack of security for humanitarians and the people [they] serve” remains a “major obstacle.”
It is absolutely essential to have a massive supply of humanitarian aid now. This means opening more entry points, this means a concentration of efforts of all entities and without obstacles.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Monday, April 29 2024
Israel’s War in Gaza:
4/29/2024 – 7:30pm: Evening News Coverage
Israeli drone and airstrikes on Nuseirat refugee camp and Gaza City have killed 5, according to the Wafa news agency. UN agencies estimate 37.5 million tonnes of debris have accumulated in Palestine, much of which contains unexploded bombs.
The Israeli government has signaled belief that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is preparing to file war crimes charges against many government officials, potentially including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Such charges could reflect the use of starvation as a weapon of war by the Israeli government on the Palestinian people. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is also set to rule on charges that Germany’s supplying of Israel with arms violates the 1948 Genocide Convention.
US and UK officials have hailed a “generous” deal that would result in a sustained 40-day ceasefire and release of captives. A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera, “stopping the attacks against Palestinians is not generous.” The deal is currently being reviewed by Hamas, which is reportedly composing a written response, while G7 countries have expressed fear that the ICC’s arrest warrants could jeopardize the 40-day ceasefire.
Since October 7, at least 34,979 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, in addition to 77,643 wounded, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Over 14,500 children have been killed, and over 8,000 are missing. 60% of residential buildings have been destroyed or damaged, in addition to 80% of commercial and 73% of school buildings.
The ICC could press charges imminently after an investigation launched in 2021 that covers events starting in 2014. The inquiry has also been looking at Israel’s construction of settlements in occupied territory. Additionally, such charges could reflect the use of starvation as a weapon of war by the Israeli government on the Palestinian people.
Patrick Wintour and Julian Borger, for the Guardian
On-Campus Demonstrations – Live Coverage:
4/29/2024 – 1:30pm: Demonstrators rally in Bruin Plaza.
As faculty members remain in Dickson Court, students exit the encampment and descend the Tongva Steps, marching to Bruin Plaza. Here, the walkout concludes with a rally led by SJP leaders, who emphasize the UC’s investments in military companies by juxtaposing this spending with the financial and social challenges faced by many students. Lastly, the speaker encourages students to continue supporting the encampment.
4/29/2024- 1:00pm: Faculty speak at the encampment.
Chants subside for a set of speeches by faculty leading the walkout. These faculty members emphasize the unique power of the student body in advancing the divestment movement, as well as connecting the movement for Palestinian liberation to broader social causes, such as the civil rights and environmental movements.
4/29/2024 – 12:30pm: Students join the faculty at Dickson Court.
Thousands of student protestors converge at Bunche Hall and march together to the encampment. Student demonstrators enter from the east side of Royce Hall and walk through the hallway to the encampment. While in Royce, students chant a diverse array of choruses. The most repeated are “Free, free Palestine,” and “Disclose, divest. We will not stop, we will not rest.”
4/29/2024 – 12:00pm: The faculty walkout begins.
Members of the faculty meet at Bunche Hall and march to Dickson Court, entering from the South side. The walkout is signaled by a large blue banner reading “UCLA Faculty and Staff / WE STAND WITH OUR STUDENTS.”
