Penn Gaza Camp: Police Begin Arrests: Live Updates

This story originally appeared on 6abc.

Philadelphia police have stepped out in riot gear against the pro-Palestinian camp on the University of Pennsylvania campus, as calls mount for a dismantling of the two-week pro-Palestinian camp on the Ivy League campus in Philadelphia.

Protesters received a two-minute warning to leave the area around 5:50 a.m. Friday. However, one group continued to defy orders and folded their arms as they surrounded the Ben Franklin statue on College Green.

Several people were subsequently arrested by police as they worked to clear the area. The evacuation of the camp has so far been largely peaceful.

Some protester sympathizers also gathered at 34th Street and Walnut Street. Some sat on the street and tried to form a blockade to stop traffic, including police vehicles. Others shouted into the crowd as officers surrounded them.

The area has since been closed to traffic and people attempting to pass through the area are facing delays.

After weeks of being told to disband, they refused to leave until their demands were met. Those demands include that Penn disclose its investments and cut ties with companies that support Israel.

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel was at the scene Friday morning, but Action News has learned he has since left after quick action from police.

On Thursday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke out and said it was “overdue time for the university to take action to dismantle this encampment and restore order and safety to the campus.”

He also called the situation at Penn “unstable” and “unacceptable.”