Some individuals have been banned from Columbia University after allegedly spraying pro-Palestine protesters with a foul-smelling chemical during a demonstration. Interim provost Dennis A Mitchell condemned the incident and stated that the alleged perpetrators had been barred from campus. The university is asking for anyone with evidence of the event to come forward. The University did not clarify if the banned individuals were students, or how many were involved. According to witnesses, the attackers called some protesters “terrorists” and were aggressive towards those holding up signs saying “Jews for cease-fire”. Tensions have been high at American universities since the conflict between Hamas and Israel escalated in October. The university has also faced criticism for cancelling a speaking arrangement due to a lack of “security approvals” from Human Rights Watch.