In 2023, pro-Palestinian protests erupted at Columbia University and rapidly spread across hundreds of US college campuses, as tens of thousands of students demanded an end to the Israel-Gaza war. The demonstrations, which peaked in spring 2024, included sit-ins, encampments, and, at times, violent clashes with law enforcement. Over 3,000 protesters were arrested during the unrest. The rallying cry, ‘Ceasefire now!’, echoed across campuses, culminating in a historic peace agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump in October 2025. While the deal brought relief to many, it also sparked mixed emotions among student activists. Khalid, a student at Earlham College, expressed relief for his family in Gaza but remained cautious about the future. Similarly, Ahmad from Georgetown University felt joy tempered by unease. Columbia University graduate student Thomas highlighted lingering tensions on campus, where discussions about Gaza remain fraught. Elisha Baker, a pro-Israel activist at Columbia, celebrated the return of hostages but lamented the release of Palestinian prisoners. Despite the ceasefire, concerns persist about the fragility of the peace plan. Israeli drone strikes in Gaza, which killed seven people shortly after the agreement, underscored these fears. Student activists like Jadd Hashem of the University of Texas emphasized the need for cross-cultural dialogue to prevent future conflicts. While the protests have waned, their impact endures, with students vowing to continue advocating for their respective causes.