Protesters near the campus of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut (Reuters)

Protests over the war in Gaza have taken hold at a handful of elite American universities as officials scramble to defuse demonstrations.

The White House has condemned antisemitic incidents that have marred some demonstrations.

Protests and heated debates about the Israel-Gaza war and free speech have rocked American campuses since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 which prompted Israels campaign in Gaza.

In America, students on both sides say there has been a rise in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since then.

When asked about the rallies, President Joe Biden said he condemned both the antisemitic protests as well as those who dont understand whats going on with the Palestinians.

The protest movement was thrust into the spotlight last week after New York City police were called out to Columbias campus and arrested more than 100 demonstrators.

Rallies have spread since then. In addition to NYU and Yale, encampments have been set up at the University of California at Berkeley, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Michigan, Emerson College and Tufts.

Like their peers, the NYU protesters are calling on their institution to disclose and divest its finances and endowments from weapons manufacturers and companies with an interest in the Israeli occupation.

One student, Alejandro Tanon told the AFP news agency that America was at a critical moment, likening the protests to historic demonstrations over the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa.

We stand with Palestine and we stand with the liberation of all people, one protester said.

Hours before, nearly 50 protesters were arrested at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Authorities said hundreds of people had gathered; many of them refusing requests to leave.

Columbia head, Dr. Minouche Shafik asked students to stay away from campus, citing incidents of intimidating and harassing behaviour. Classes were held virtually instead.

Shafik said tensions on campus had been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas.

The Hasidic group Chabad at Columbia University said Jewish students had been screamed at and subjected to harmful rhetoric. Meanwhile, a rabbi affiliated with the university reportedly warned Jewish students to avoid campus until the situation improved.

Members of the protest groups who have given public statements have denied antisemitism, arguing that their criticism is reserved for the Israeli state and its supporters.

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