Columbia University has resorted to full virtual classes on Monday in the wake of massive pro-Palestine demonstrations that have disrupted academic activities in its New York campus since last week.

Columbia president, Nemat Minouche Shafik, said in a statement on Monday that there would be no in-person classes for the day due to disruption by those who came to the institution to pursue their “own agenda.”

“These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas,” Shafik said. “We need a reset,” she added.

The demonstrations over Israel’s actions in Gaza had been going on for days, with protesting students setting up encampments on the campus before Ms Shafik authorised the New York Police to clear everything off last week Thursday.

Over 100 pro-Palestine protesters were arrested following the conduct of the police operation.

The disruption caused by the protests on the campus has drawn widespread condemnation from people in the United States.

“It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved,” Elie Buechler, an Orthodox rabbi at Columbia University, told students in an online message.