Photos: Dozens of ‘Gaza solidarity’ protesters detained at UNC tent encampment; battle for US flag on campus
By Scott Sharpe
READ MORE
NC responds to Israel-Hamas war
Since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, the ensuing war in Gaza has had an impact around the world. In the Triangle, protesters have taken to the streets, college campuses and government meetings to call for a cease-fire, aid to Gaza and the release of hostages. Here is ongoing coverage from The News & Observer.
Expand All
UNC-Chapel Hill police and other law enforcement officers detained members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” on campus, Tuesday morning, April 20, 2024.
The group had been warned to remove its tents from university grounds or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university.
UNC interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and Provost Chris Clemens announced in a statement at 5:37 a.m. that the protesters “must remove all tents, tables, and other items and depart from the area” of the encampment — Polk Place, the university’s main quad in the central part of campus.
“Failure to follow this order to disperse will result in consequences including possible arrest, suspension from campus and, ultimately, expulsion from the university, which may prevent students from graduating,” Roberts and Clemens stated.
In a news release, the university said officers detained about 30 people who refused to leave.
Law enforcement officers move a Pro-Palestinian protester from the encampment on the UNC campus Tuesday morning, April 30, 2024. ABC11
Police confront protesters outside of South Building on the UNC campus in attempts to move protestors away from the doors on Tuesday, April 30. Heather Diehl For the News & Observer
Police officers move back a line of students who had been participating in a “pro-Palestine encampment” on Polk Place at UNC Chapel Hill on the morning of Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Heather Diehl
A line of police stand in front of protestors on E. Cameron Ave. on Tuesday, April 30. Heather Diehl
A line of police face a group of protestors outside of South Building on the morning of Tuesday, April 30. The protestors continued to stand for their cause after arrests had been made at the “pro-Palestine encampement” earlier that morning. Heather Diehl
Law enforcement stands surrounds the crowd gathering ouside of Gerrard Hall on UNC Chapel Hill campus on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Heather Diehl
A police officer walks past protestors on E. Cameron Ave. on Tuesday, April 30. Heather Diehl
The remains of the “pro-Palestine encampment” are cleared out of Polk Place on the morning of Tuesday, April 30. Heather Diehl
Police officers patrol Polk Place as the “pro-Palestine encampment” is cleared out on Tuesday, April 30. Earlier in the morning arrests were made. Heather Diehl
A person walks by signs outside of the Campus Y building hours after UNC-Chapel Hill police detained members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” early Tuesday morning, April 30, 2024, after warning the group to remove its tents from university grounds or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Law enforcement gathers next to a barrier on the quad of UNC-Chapel Hill hours after police detained members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” early Tuesday morning, April 30, 2024, after warning the group to remove its tents from university grounds or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Law enforcement stands outside of Gerrard Hall hours after UNC-Chapel Hill police detained members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” early Tuesday morning, April 30, 2024, after warning the group to remove its tents from university grounds or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill senior Max Pollack poses for a portrait on the university’s campus as law enforcement maintains a presence following the detainment of members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” early Tuesday morning, April 30, 2024. Pollack said he walked through the quad to observe the situation and see how safe it would be for Jews on campus Tuesday. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
A pro-Palestinian protester holds a large Palestinian flag by the steps of South Building during a noon rally on campus. The rally followed arrests that morning of protesters occupying an encampment on campus. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
About 1000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally at the South Building after a “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Palestinian demonstrators remove a barrier surrounding a flagpole after a rally at the South Building Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. A “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
A Pro-Palestinian demonstrator is knocked from a wheelchair as demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
A Pro-Palestinian demonstrator is knocked from a wheelchair as demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators replace an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators replace an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators struggle with a counter-protester as Pro-Palestinian demonstrators replace an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlierTuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and police officers work to rehang an American flag after it was brought down by demonstrators and replaced with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. About 1000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied after a “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and police prepare to rehang an American flag after it was brought down by demonstrators and replaced with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. About 1000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied after a “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and police prepare to rehang an American flag after it was brought down by demonstrators and replaced with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. About 1000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied after a “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and police prepare to rehang an American flag after it was brought down by demonstrators and replaced with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. About 1000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied after a “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and police officers work to rehang an American flag after it was brought down by demonstrators and replaced with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. About 1000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied after a “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and police officers work to rehang an American flag after it was brought down by demonstrators and replaced with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. About 1000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied after a “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlierTuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlierTuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and police officers work to rehang an American flag after it was brought down by demonstrators and replaced with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. About 1000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied after a “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and police officers work to rehang an American flag after it was brought down by demonstrators and replaced with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. About 1000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied after a “Gaza solidarity encampment” was removed by police early Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators replace an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators replace an American flag with a Palestinian flag Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Police removed a “Gaza solidarity encampment” earlier Tuesday morning. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
People watch as UNC-Chapel Hill administrators and facilities services staff raise an American flag behind a fenced enclosure on the campus quad on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. UNC-Chapel Hill police charged 36 members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” Tuesday morning after warning the group to remove its tents from campus or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Earlier in the afternoon, protesters took an American flag down from the flagpole and then mounted a Palestinian flag in its place. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
People sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” while holding Israeli and American flags on the steps of South Building at UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. UNC-Chapel Hill police charged 36 members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” Tuesday morning after warning the group to remove its tents from campus or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Facilities services staff carry a piece of fencing to construct a barrier around a flagpole on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. UNC-Chapel Hill police charged 36 members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” Tuesday morning after warning the group to remove its tents from campus or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Earlier in the afternoon, protesters took an American flag down from the flagpole and then mounted a Palestinian flag in its place. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
People watch as facilities services staff construct a fenced enclosure around a flagpole on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. UNC-Chapel Hill police charged 36 members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” Tuesday morning after warning the group to remove its tents from campus or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Earlier in the afternoon, protesters took an American flag down from the flagpole and then mounted a Palestinian flag in its place. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
A person secures a fenced barrier around a flagpole on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus quad on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. UNC-Chapel Hill police charged 36 members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” Tuesday morning after warning the group to remove its tents from campus or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Earlier in the afternoon, protesters took an American flag down from the flagpole and then mounted a Palestinian flag in its place. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
People attach a “Free Palestine” flag to a fence barrier surrounding the flagpole on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. UNC-Chapel Hill police charged 36 members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” Tuesday morning after warning the group to remove its tents from campus or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
People gather near a fenced enclosure surrounding the flagpole on the quad at UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. UNC-Chapel Hill police charged 36 members of a pro-Palestinian “Gaza solidarity encampment” Tuesday morning after warning the group to remove its tents from campus or face possible arrest, suspension or expulsion from the university. Earlier in the afternoon, protesters took an American flag down from the flagpole and then mounted a Palestinian flag in its place. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
The News & Observer’s Inside Look takes readers behind the scenes to illuminate the people and places in our community.
This story was originally published April 30, 2024 at 11:35 AM.
Since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, the ensuing war in Gaza has had an impact around the world. In the Triangle, protesters have taken to the streets, college campuses and government meetings to call for a cease-fire, aid to Gaza and the release of hostages. Here is ongoing coverage from The News & Observer.
.JPG)
