Live: Gaza protesters at Columbia hold press conference amid occupation of campus building

Watch live coverage from outside the gates of Columbia University, as pro-Palestinian activists occupy Hamilton Hall on Tuesday 30 April, escalating a battle with administrators who have begun suspending students for refusing to dismantle tents set up on the campus. Protesters have entered Hamilton Hall - the site of student protests dating back to the 1960s - and suspended a banner reading “Hind’s Hall” from an upper floor. Others outside blocked the doors with outdoor tables and linked arms to form a barricade in front. “This building is liberated in honour of Hind, a six-year-old Palestinian child murdered in Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces funded by Columbia University,” a protester shouted from inside, with those outside repeating each phrase. Israel has denied targeting civilians in its war on Hamas in Gaza, accusing the militants of hiding among them. Watch more on Independent TV: Click here to subscribe to T