Biden condemns US campus protests, says 'intifada' is hate speech

In a statement released by the White House, President Biden condemned the ongoing protests that have sweeped college campuses across the country.

The president said that he "respects the right to free expression", but went on to say that "forcibly taking over buildings is not peaceful - it is wrong".

On Monday night, student protesters at Columbia University occupied Hamilton Hall, after the demonstrators had a stand off with administration over their encampment raised in solidarity with Gaza.

Biden also condemned the use of the word "intifada", which has often been used during pro-Palestinian rallies on college campuses.

"[President Biden] condemns the use of the term 'intifada', as he has the other tragic and dangerous hate speech displayed in recent days," the White House statement said.

The intifada refers to two different Palestinian uprisings against Israel's occupation, and has been characterised by mass protests, civil disobedience, as well as well-organised strikes.