Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday, nearly four months after the Ivy League university’s handling of campus protests over Israel’s war on Gaza was criticised by pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides alike. “It has also been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community,” Shafik said in an email to staff and students. “This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community.” Shafik said her departure “at this point would best enable Columbia to traverse the challenges ahead….