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In response to a hostage negotiation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was informed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would not accept an end to the Gaza War. Watch to know more.

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Clashes broke out between the police and demonstrators on Thursday (May 2) at the University of California, Los Angeles, where the officers in riot gear tore down barricades at a protest encampment.&nbsp;

This is the latest in a spate of incidents after unrest erupted in the campuses of the United States over Israel's war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The police personnel dragged tents away from the protest site and detained several students dressed in white helmets.

Loud explosions were also reportedly heard during the clashes from the stun grenades or flash-bang charges that were fired by the police.

On another side of the encampment students holding umbrellas, helmets and plastic shields squared up against police in anxious silence, with a few erratic chants of "Free Palestine!" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!"

"This is a peaceful protest, there are no counter-protestors tonight, so to call the police on them is despicable. This city should support them," LA resident Jack Bedrosian, who came to show support, told news agency AFP.

UCLA officials on the other hand have announced that the campus will remain shut except for limited operations on Thursday and Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-claims-xenophobia-stalling-economic-growth-in-india-china-japan-717243">Biden claims 'xenophobia' stalling economic growth in India, China, Japan</a>

<h2>Hundreds arrested</h2>

Police in the last 24 hours have arrested hundreds of protesters of whom majority&nbsp;have called for divestment from companies that support Israel and the war in Gaza.

Announcements broadcast on the University of California Los Angeles campus on Wednesday (May 1) told demonstrators to disperse or they would be arrested.

California's governor's office criticised the slow response of law enforcement to a violent incident at UCLA. The incident involved a clash between a pro-Israeli group and a pro-Palestinian student encampment.

A masked pro-Israeli group assaulted a pro-Palestinian student camp before the police officers were called to the campus.

Governor Gavin Newsom's spokesperson said the limited and delayed police intervention was unacceptable.

<h2>India's MEA reacts to protests</h2>

Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to the protests in the US campuses said that so far neither the Embassy nor any Consulate has been approached by Indian students seeking assistance.

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"Neither the Embassy nor any Consulate has been approached by Indian students or their family seeking assistance..We expect all our citizens at home and abroad to respect local laws and regulations", MEA on disciplinary action on Indian students at US universities <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> <a href="https://t.co/hWd1GtXdAf">https://t.co/hWd1GtXdAf</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1786005577988178223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Neither the Embassy nor any Consulate has been approached by Indian students or their families seeking assistance..We expect all our citizens at home and abroad to respect local laws and regulations", said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Clashes broke out between the police and demonstrators on Thursday (May 2) at the University of California, Los Angeles, where the officers in riot gear tore down barricades at a protest encampment.

Clashes broke out between the police and demonstrators on Thursday (May 2) at the University of California, Los Angeles, where the officers in riot gear tore down barricades at a protest encampment. This is the latest in a spate of incidents after unrest erupted in the campuses of the United States over Israel's war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The police personnel dragged tents away from the protest site and detained several students dressed in white helmets. Loud explosions were also reportedly heard during the clashes from the stun grenades or flash-bang charges that were fired by the police. On another side of the encampment students holding umbrellas, helmets and plastic shields squared up against police in anxious silence, with a few erratic chants of "Free Palestine!" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!" "This is a peaceful protest, there are no counter-protestors tonight, so to call the police on them is despicable. This city should support them," LA resident Jack Bedrosian, who came to show support, told news agency AFP. UCLA officials on the other hand have announced that the campus will remain shut except for limited operations on Thursday and Friday. Also read: Biden claims 'xenophobia' stalling economic growth in India, China, Japan Hundreds arrested Police in the last 24 hours have arrested hundreds of protesters of whom majority have called for divestment from companies that support Israel and the war in Gaza. Announcements broadcast on the University of California Los Angeles campus on Wednesday (May 1) told demonstrators to disperse or they would be arrested. California's governor's office criticised the slow response of law enforcement to a violent incident at UCLA. The incident involved a clash between a pro-Israeli group and a pro-Palestinian student encampment. A masked pro-Israeli group assaulted a pro-Palestinian student camp before the police officers were called to the campus. Governor Gavin Newsom's spokesperson said the limited and delayed police intervention was unacceptable. India's MEA reacts to protests Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to the protests in the US campuses said that so far neither the Embassy nor any Consulate has been approached by Indian students seeking assistance. "Neither the Embassy nor any Consulate has been approached by Indian students or their family seeking assistance..We expect all our citizens at home and abroad to respect local laws and regulations", MEA on disciplinary action on Indian students at US universities @WIONews https://t.co/hWd1GtXdAf — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 2, 2024 × "Neither the Embassy nor any Consulate has been approached by Indian students or their families seeking assistance..We expect all our citizens at home and abroad to respect local laws and regulations", said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. (With inputs from agencies)

Police tear down barricades at UCLA protest encampment; India urges its citizens to 'respect local laws'

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday (May 1) promised he would break his nation's diplomatic&nbsp;relations with Israel over the warring nation's actions in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>A 'genocidal' leader</h2>

Petro told a May Day rally in Bogotá, "Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel… for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal."

As per the Times of Israel, it is unclear if he used the word "genocidal" to refer to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or President Isaac Herzog, who serves a largely symbolic role.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-violation-of-the-cwc-us-accuses-russia-of-using-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine-717173">US accuses Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukraine, links violation to Alexei Navalny poisoning</a>

Petro, addressing thousands of supporters, stressed that the world cannot accept "genocide, the extermination of an entire people."

"If Palestine dies, humanity dies," he declared, earning loud applause from the crowd.

Petro, a leftist leader, has been heavily critical of Netanyahu, reports Reuters. He has even requested to join South Africa's case, accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

<h2>Israel slams Colombian President Petro</h2>

Hitting back at Petro, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the leftist leader was "hate-filled, antisemitic."

Taking to X, Katz posted, "History will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to humanity who burned babies, murdered children, raped women and kidnapped innocent civilians."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-biden-says-every-single-thing-he-touches-turns-to-sh-pledges-world-peace-717177">Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace</a>

"Relations between Israel and Colombia have always been warm—and no hate-filled, anti-Semitic president can change that. The State of Israel will continue to protect its citizens fearlessly and fearlessly," he added.

Hamas, on the other hand, hailed Colombia's move as a "victory."

"We greatly appreciate the position of Colombian President Gustavo Petro... which we consider a victory for the sacrifices of our people and their just cause," said the group in a statement. According to AFP, the militant group also urged other Latin American countries to follow suit.

Previously, Bolivia, Belize, and South Africa broke their relations with Israel. Several other countries in Latin America, including Colombia, Chile and Honduras, have recalled their diplomats.

(With inputs from agencies)

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday (May 1) promised he would break his nation's diplomatic relations with Israel over the warring nation's actions in Gaza.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday (May 1) promised he would break his nation's diplomatic relations with Israel over the warring nation's actions in Gaza. A 'genocidal' leader Petro told a May Day rally in Bogotá, "Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel… for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal." As per the Times of Israel, it is unclear if he used the word "genocidal" to refer to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or President Isaac Herzog, who serves a largely symbolic role. Also read | US accuses Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukraine, links violation to Alexei Navalny poisoning Petro, addressing thousands of supporters, stressed that the world cannot accept "genocide, the extermination of an entire people." "If Palestine dies, humanity dies," he declared, earning loud applause from the crowd. Petro, a leftist leader, has been heavily critical of Netanyahu, reports Reuters. He has even requested to join South Africa's case, accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Israel slams Colombian President Petro Hitting back at Petro, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the leftist leader was "hate-filled, antisemitic." Taking to X, Katz posted, "History will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to humanity who burned babies, murdered children, raped women and kidnapped innocent civilians." Also read | Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace "Relations between Israel and Colombia have always been warm—and no hate-filled, anti-Semitic president can change that. The State of Israel will continue to protect its citizens fearlessly and fearlessly," he added. Hamas, on the other hand, hailed Colombia's move as a "victory." "We greatly appreciate the position of Colombian President Gustavo Petro... which we consider a victory for the sacrifices of our people and their just cause," said the group in a statement. According to AFP, the militant group also urged other Latin American countries to follow suit. Previously, Bolivia, Belize, and South Africa broke their relations with Israel. Several other countries in Latin America, including Colombia, Chile and Honduras, have recalled their diplomats. (With inputs from agencies)

Bogota severs diplomatic ties with Israel over 'genocidal' Gaza campaign; Israel dubs move 'antisemitic'

Pro-Palestinian protests sweeping across US colleges have spread to the UK, with students from several universities demonstrating on campus. Watch to know more.

US: Police arrest dozens of protesters across campuses, tensions escalate between police & students

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Hamas indicates rejection of hostage deal, to submit amended response to proposed deal

Palestinian militant group Hamas has expressed concern over the temporary ceasefire and has informed mediators that it wants a permanent conclusion to the conflict. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Will hostage deal come through?

Israel war: Israel reopens Erez crossing to allow aid

Israel war: Where do Gaza truces talks stand?

The Israel-Hamas war is raging on. Meanwhile, protests are rocking U.S. universities. Students express opposition to Israel's war. Police intensified crackdown on protesters. Watch this video for all details.

Protests at UCLA: Police crackdown on protesters intensifies

Israel war: Hamas leader says will stop talks if Israel proceeds with Rafah offensive

The US military said on Tuesday (Apr 30) that it had destroyed an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in an area of Yemen controlled by the Houthis.

A day before, Yemeni Houthi rebels launched a drone strike against the Portuguese-flagged container ship, MSC Orion, in the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;

This attack, part of their wider campaign against international shipping, was claimed to be in support of Palestinians during the Israeli military actions in Gaza.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/yemens-houthis-claim-attacks-on-vessels-in-indian-ocean-716581" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/yemens-houthis-claim-attacks-on-vessels-in-indian-ocean-716581&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmnKOKvuuFAxWpUGwGHbmTD3cQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ffof3Uf_OERcB2V_XcDWt&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/yemens-houthis-claim-attacks-on-vessels-in-indian-ocean-716581" target="_blank">Yemen's&nbsp;Houthis claim attacks on vessels in Indian Ocean&nbsp;</a>

The MSC Orion, owned by Zodiac Maritime and registered in Portugal, was travelling between Sines, Portugal and Salalah, Oman when the incident occurred.

Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched repeated drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden since November, forcing shippers to re-route cargo to longer and more expensive journeys around Southern Africa and stoking fears that the Israel-Hamas war could spread and destabilise the Middle East.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US military said on Tuesday (Apr 30) that it had destroyed an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in an area of Yemen controlled by the Houthis. A day before, Yemeni Houthi rebels launched a drone strike against the Portuguese-flagged container ship, MSC Orion, in the Indian Ocean.

The US military said on Tuesday (Apr 30) that it had destroyed an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in an area of Yemen controlled by the Houthis. A day before, Yemeni Houthi rebels launched a drone strike against the Portuguese-flagged container ship, MSC Orion, in the Indian Ocean. This attack, part of their wider campaign against international shipping, was claimed to be in support of Palestinians during the Israeli military actions in Gaza. Also read: Yemen's Houthis claim attacks on vessels in Indian Ocean The MSC Orion, owned by Zodiac Maritime and registered in Portugal, was travelling between Sines, Portugal and Salalah, Oman when the incident occurred. Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched repeated drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden since November, forcing shippers to re-route cargo to longer and more expensive journeys around Southern Africa and stoking fears that the Israel-Hamas war could spread and destabilise the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

US military destroys uncrewed surface vessel in Yemen

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held.

Blinken in Israel to push for truce, says 'will push Netanyahu on Gaza aid'

Netanyahu has vowed a ground invasion of Rafah with or without a truce deal with Hamas. Is Netanyahu prolonging this war for his political survival? Mohammed Saleh speaks to Helit Barel, the former Director at Israel's National Security Council for more.

Why has Netanyahu failed to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza War so far?

As protests against the US policy in Gaza unfold on college campuses across the country, the State Department is facing its own protests too. An Arabic-speaking public affairs official has just resigned over the Biden administration's approach to the war in Gaza. Watch in for more details!

US diplomat resigns in protest over the policy in Gaza

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October.

An Israeli official told AFP that the government "will wait for answers until Wednesday night", and then "make a decision" whether to send a delegation to indirect talks being brokered by US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-enter-columbia-building-barricaded-by-students-as-protests-716835">NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, arrests made</a>

The Palestinian militant group said it was considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas, whose envoys returned from Cairo talks to their base in Qatar, would "discuss the ideas and the proposal", said a Hamas source, adding: "We are keen to respond as quickly as possible."

Blinken put the ball squarely in Hamas's court.

"There is a very strong proposal on the table right now. Hamas needs to say yes, and needs to get this done," he said.

But analysts questioned whether Hamas would sign up to another temporary ceasefire like the week-long truce that saw more than 100 hostages released in November, knowing that Israeli troops could resume their onslaught as soon as it was over.

"I'm pessimistic about the option of Hamas agreeing to a deal that doesn't have a permanent&nbsp;ceasefire baked into it," said Mairav Zonszein, senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group.

Zonszein said the three countries brokering the truce talks had their own reasons for trying to bounce the warring parties into a deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJlruhmeyFAxWlUGwGHU6fAH0QFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EnvTW7xUlz5tSpCxBWH_L&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734" target="_blank">Israeli&nbsp;forces will enter Rafah 'with or without' Gaza hostage deal</a>

"The US and Egypt and Qatar all have very strong interests of their own, for various&nbsp; reasons, why they're trying very hard now to pressure both sides into agreeing to a deal."

"And I think they believe that if they're able to get an initial deal and a pause, that they can try to build on that," he said.

Rafah differences

Hours before Blinken landed in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu fired a shot across his bows, vowing to send Israeli ground troops into Rafah despite repeated US warnings of the potential for heavy casualties among the 1.5 million civilians sheltering in the city.

"We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there with or without a deal," the right-wing premier told hostage families, his office said.

Ahead of what promised to be a difficult meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken too met privately with hostage relatives in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJlruhmeyFAxWlUGwGHU6fAH0QFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3udA0Zf4d_kiTMQ-wGZD4D&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049" target="_blank">Israel&nbsp;launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people</a>

In rare scenes for the top US diplomat, who has faced furore at home and abroad over the administration's support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas, Blinken was greeted outside his Tel Aviv hotel by Israeli demonstrators waving US flags.&nbsp;

Blinken told them that freeing the hostages was "at the heart of everything we're trying to do".&nbsp;

As per estimates, 129 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead.

Many of their families have expressed hope that US pressure may force Netanyahu to agree to a deal for their release.

More routes for aid

On the previous leg of his regional tour in Jordan, Blinken said a Gaza truce and the redoubling of aid deliveries went hand in hand.

A truce is "the most effective way to relieve the suffering" of civilians in Gaza, he told reporters near Amman.

Blinken saw off a first Jordanian truck convoy of aid heading to Gaza through the Erez crossing reopened by Israel.

"It is real and important progress, but more still needs to be done," he said.

UN agencies have warned that without urgent intervention, famine looms in Gaza, particularly in northern areas which are hardest to reach.

A US-built floating pier on Gaza's coast is expected to be completed later this week, said Cyprus, the departure point for the planned "maritime corridor".

Blinken said the pier would "significantly increase the assistance" but was not "a substitute" for greater overland access.

In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, across from Erez crossing, 24-year-old farmer Yussef Abu Rabih was replanting plots he said had been "completely destroyed" by the fighting.

"We decided to return to farming despite difficult conditions and scarce resources" after suffering "severe hunger", he told AFP.

'Unbearable escalation'

The war started after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,568 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Washington has strongly backed its ally Israel but also pressured it to refrain from a ground invasion of Rafah, which is packed with displaced civilians.

Calev Ben-Dor, a former analyst for the Israeli foreign ministry and now deputy editor for specialised review Fathom, told AFP that Netanyahu's "Rafah comments likely have more to do with trying to keep his coalition intact, rather than operational plans in the near term".

The prime minister "is feeling the squeeze between the Biden administration" and far-right members of his government who have vehemently opposed the proposed truce, Ben-Dor said.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said an Israeli assault on Rafah would "be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee". 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah. Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October. An Israeli official told AFP that the government "will wait for answers until Wednesday night", and then "make a decision" whether to send a delegation to indirect talks being brokered by US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo. Also read: NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, arrests made The Palestinian militant group said it was considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas, whose envoys returned from Cairo talks to their base in Qatar, would "discuss the ideas and the proposal", said a Hamas source, adding: "We are keen to respond as quickly as possible." Blinken put the ball squarely in Hamas's court. "There is a very strong proposal on the table right now. Hamas needs to say yes, and needs to get this done," he said. But analysts questioned whether Hamas would sign up to another temporary ceasefire like the week-long truce that saw more than 100 hostages released in November, knowing that Israeli troops could resume their onslaught as soon as it was over. "I'm pessimistic about the option of Hamas agreeing to a deal that doesn't have a permanent ceasefire baked into it," said Mairav Zonszein, senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group. Zonszein said the three countries brokering the truce talks had their own reasons for trying to bounce the warring parties into a deal. Also read: Israeli forces will enter Rafah 'with or without' Gaza hostage deal "The US and Egypt and Qatar all have very strong interests of their own, for various reasons, why they're trying very hard now to pressure both sides into agreeing to a deal." "And I think they believe that if they're able to get an initial deal and a pause, that they can try to build on that," he said. Rafah differences Hours before Blinken landed in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu fired a shot across his bows, vowing to send Israeli ground troops into Rafah despite repeated US warnings of the potential for heavy casualties among the 1.5 million civilians sheltering in the city. "We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there with or without a deal," the right-wing premier told hostage families, his office said. Ahead of what promised to be a difficult meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken too met privately with hostage relatives in Tel Aviv. Also read: Israel launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people In rare scenes for the top US diplomat, who has faced furore at home and abroad over the administration's support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas, Blinken was greeted outside his Tel Aviv hotel by Israeli demonstrators waving US flags. Blinken told them that freeing the hostages was "at the heart of everything we're trying to do". As per estimates, 129 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead. Many of their families have expressed hope that US pressure may force Netanyahu to agree to a deal for their release. More routes for aid On the previous leg of his regional tour in Jordan, Blinken said a Gaza truce and the redoubling of aid deliveries went hand in hand. A truce is "the most effective way to relieve the suffering" of civilians in Gaza, he told reporters near Amman. Blinken saw off a first Jordanian truck convoy of aid heading to Gaza through the Erez crossing reopened by Israel. "It is real and important progress, but more still needs to be done," he said. UN agencies have warned that without urgent intervention, famine looms in Gaza, particularly in northern areas which are hardest to reach. A US-built floating pier on Gaza's coast is expected to be completed later this week, said Cyprus, the departure point for the planned "maritime corridor". Blinken said the pier would "significantly increase the assistance" but was not "a substitute" for greater overland access. In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, across from Erez crossing, 24-year-old farmer Yussef Abu Rabih was replanting plots he said had been "completely destroyed" by the fighting. "We decided to return to farming despite difficult conditions and scarce resources" after suffering "severe hunger", he told AFP. 'Unbearable escalation' The war started after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,568 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Washington has strongly backed its ally Israel but also pressured it to refrain from a ground invasion of Rafah, which is packed with displaced civilians. Calev Ben-Dor, a former analyst for the Israeli foreign ministry and now deputy editor for specialised review Fathom, told AFP that Netanyahu's "Rafah comments likely have more to do with trying to keep his coalition intact, rather than operational plans in the near term". The prime minister "is feeling the squeeze between the Biden administration" and far-right members of his government who have vehemently opposed the proposed truce, Ben-Dor said. UN chief Antonio Guterres said an Israeli assault on Rafah would "be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee". (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken urges Hamas to accept Gaza truce as he meets Israel leaders

The American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is in the state of Israel with some plans to discuss a truce deal and also for the increased flow of humanitarian Aid into the Gaza Strip. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held.

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken in Israel for talks with Netanyahu, Gallant amid push for Gaza truce deal

The US State Department has identified five Israeli military units as being responsible for serious human rights violations in specific incidents but stated that these units will still receive US military support.&nbsp;

Notably, all the incidents occurred outside of Gaza before the current war. Israel took corrective measures in four units, giving additional information on the fifth, according to the department.

This implies that all the units are still eligible for US military assistance. US is Israel's main military backer, supplying it with $3.8bn (£3bn) worth of weapons and defence systems per year.

State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said that five security forces units committed gross violations of human rights.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-university-suspends-student-protesters-for-defiance-of-ultimatum-to-disperse-716450">Columbia University suspends student protesters for defiance of deadline</a>

"Four of the Israeli units have effectively remediated these violations, which is what we expect partners to do," he said and added, “For a remaining unit, we are in consultations and engagements with the government of Israel; they have submitted additional information as it pertains to that unit."

The department disproves allegations that it caved to political pressure by continuing to provide military assistance to the unit, despite not being able to confirm whether any accountability measures had been taken in the case.

"We are engaging with them in a process, and we will make an ultimate decision when it comes to that unit when that process is complete," said Patel.

All the incidents are believed to have taken place in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem in recent years. 
It is worth mentioning that under America's ‘Leahy Law’, sponsored in 1997 by then-Senator Patrick Leahy, a finding that a foreign military unit has committed serious human rights violations can result in the suspension of its eligibility for US military assistance.

The US government says it considers torture, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance and rape as such types of violations when implementing the Leahy law.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-gets-40-day-ceasefire-amid-renewed-airstrikes-on-rafah-by-israel-716335">Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel</a>

Even when there is such a finding, there is an exception to cutting military assistance if the state department is satisfied the cases have been dealt with and justice pursued by the government involved.

It says Israel did do this - so-called remediation - in four of the five units. However, the department declined to give any details of the incidents.

The United States was reportedly about to announce that it would halt military aid to a fifth Israeli military unit, but it has since stated that new information from Israel will delay a final decision.

The unit in question is widely believed to be the Netzah Yehuda battalion, a special unit established in 1999 for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men to serve.

Israel investigated this battalion in connection with the death of Omar Assad, an 80-year-old Palestinian-American who died after being bound and gagged by soldiers during a search in a West Bank village in 2022.

At the time, the US called for a thorough criminal investigation and full accountability.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-five-israeli-units-committed-abuse-before-hamas-attack-716423">US says five Israeli units committed abuse before Hamas attack</a>

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later said they regretted Mr Assad's death, and a commander would be "reprimanded" and two soldiers barred from senior positions for two years - but would not be prosecuted.

When asked about reports an IDF unit could be the first ever to face the US government designation under the Leahy Law, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on 19 April, "I made determinations. You can expect to see them in the days ahead."

(With inputs from agencies)

The US State Department has identified five Israeli military units as being responsible for serious human rights violations in specific incidents but stated that these units will still receive US military support.

The US State Department has identified five Israeli military units as being responsible for serious human rights violations in specific incidents but stated that these units will still receive US military support. Notably, all the incidents occurred outside of Gaza before the current war. Israel took corrective measures in four units, giving additional information on the fifth, according to the department. This implies that all the units are still eligible for US military assistance. US is Israel's main military backer, supplying it with $3.8bn (£3bn) worth of weapons and defence systems per year. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said that five security forces units committed gross violations of human rights. Also read: Columbia University suspends student protesters for defiance of deadline "Four of the Israeli units have effectively remediated these violations, which is what we expect partners to do," he said and added, “For a remaining unit, we are in consultations and engagements with the government of Israel; they have submitted additional information as it pertains to that unit." The department disproves allegations that it caved to political pressure by continuing to provide military assistance to the unit, despite not being able to confirm whether any accountability measures had been taken in the case. "We are engaging with them in a process, and we will make an ultimate decision when it comes to that unit when that process is complete," said Patel. All the incidents are believed to have taken place in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem in recent years. It is worth mentioning that under America's ‘Leahy Law’, sponsored in 1997 by then-Senator Patrick Leahy, a finding that a foreign military unit has committed serious human rights violations can result in the suspension of its eligibility for US military assistance. The US government says it considers torture, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance and rape as such types of violations when implementing the Leahy law. Also read: Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel Even when there is such a finding, there is an exception to cutting military assistance if the state department is satisfied the cases have been dealt with and justice pursued by the government involved. It says Israel did do this - so-called remediation - in four of the five units. However, the department declined to give any details of the incidents. The United States was reportedly about to announce that it would halt military aid to a fifth Israeli military unit, but it has since stated that new information from Israel will delay a final decision. The unit in question is widely believed to be the Netzah Yehuda battalion, a special unit established in 1999 for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men to serve. Israel investigated this battalion in connection with the death of Omar Assad, an 80-year-old Palestinian-American who died after being bound and gagged by soldiers during a search in a West Bank village in 2022. At the time, the US called for a thorough criminal investigation and full accountability. Also read: US says five Israeli units committed abuse before Hamas attack The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later said they regretted Mr Assad's death, and a commander would be "reprimanded" and two soldiers barred from senior positions for two years - but would not be prosecuted. When asked about reports an IDF unit could be the first ever to face the US government designation under the Leahy Law, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on 19 April, "I made determinations. You can expect to see them in the days ahead." (With inputs from agencies)

US claims Israeli military units violated human rights

As pro-Palestinian protests continue to rage on university campuses across the United States, demonstrators and university leadership of Northwestern University in the US state of Illinois announced, late Monday (Apr 29) that they have reached an agreement to end the encampment set up on campus.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests to continue</h2>

The Daily Northwestern, a student-led newspaper of the university said that after five days of demonstrations, pro-Palestinian student protesters wrapped up negotiations with the officials and struck a deal which would allow protests and gatherings in support of Palestine at the Deering Meadow in exchange for an end to the encampment set up there.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taken-matters-into-their-own-hands-columbia-students-protestors-takeover-university-building-716599">Columbia student protesters seize university building, White House condemns</a>

In line with the agreement, students would have to end the encampment set up on Deering Meadow since Thursday (Apr 25), while university leadership said they would ensure more transparency in its investments.&nbsp;

This comes as protesters not only at Northwestern but across several campuses have demanded that their universities divest from Israel while calling for an end to the war in Gaza.&nbsp;

The deal also allows only NU students, faculty and staff to protest at the Deering Meadow in support of Palestine till June 1.&nbsp;

<h2>About the deal</h2>

Northwestern Divestment Coalition which set up the encampment praised the demonstrators’ efforts for successfully growing the encampment over the days while avoiding suspensions or arrests.

The group, in its statement, had called on the university to end its partnerships with Israel, including Northwestern University’s Israel Innovation Project, which, according to the student-led newspaper, facilitates academic collaborations with Israeli institutions.&nbsp;

It also called on the university to disclose its investments and divest from “institutions and companies that support and maintain apartheid, occupation and the oppression of the Palestinian people.”

The university for its part said it would “answer questions from any internal stakeholder about holdings, held currently or within the last quarter, to the best of its knowledge and to the extent legally possible”.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734">Israeli forces will enter Rafah ‘with or without’ Gaza hostage deal, says PM Netanyahu</a>

It will also reestablish an Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility which will include representatives from students, faculty and staff.

Northwestern University, as per ABC News, also pledged more inclusivity, funding two Palestinian faculty members and the full cost of attendance for five Palestinian undergraduate students every year.&nbsp;

As a part of the agreement, the university said that the encampment would be dismantled immediately, except for one aid tent and students are required to stop the “non-approved use of amplified sound.”

(With inputs from agencies)

As pro-Palestinian protests continue to rage on university campuses across the United States, demonstrators and university leadership of Northwestern University in the US state of Illinois announced, late Monday (Apr 29) that they have reached an agreement to end the encampment set up on campus.

As pro-Palestinian protests continue to rage on university campuses across the United States, demonstrators and university leadership of Northwestern University in the US state of Illinois announced, late Monday (Apr 29) that they have reached an agreement to end the encampment set up on campus. Protests to continue The Daily Northwestern, a student-led newspaper of the university said that after five days of demonstrations, pro-Palestinian student protesters wrapped up negotiations with the officials and struck a deal which would allow protests and gatherings in support of Palestine at the Deering Meadow in exchange for an end to the encampment set up there. Also Read | Columbia student protesters seize university building, White House condemns In line with the agreement, students would have to end the encampment set up on Deering Meadow since Thursday (Apr 25), while university leadership said they would ensure more transparency in its investments. This comes as protesters not only at Northwestern but across several campuses have demanded that their universities divest from Israel while calling for an end to the war in Gaza. The deal also allows only NU students, faculty and staff to protest at the Deering Meadow in support of Palestine till June 1. About the deal Northwestern Divestment Coalition which set up the encampment praised the demonstrators’ efforts for successfully growing the encampment over the days while avoiding suspensions or arrests. The group, in its statement, had called on the university to end its partnerships with Israel, including Northwestern University’s Israel Innovation Project, which, according to the student-led newspaper, facilitates academic collaborations with Israeli institutions. It also called on the university to disclose its investments and divest from “institutions and companies that support and maintain apartheid, occupation and the oppression of the Palestinian people.” The university for its part said it would “answer questions from any internal stakeholder about holdings, held currently or within the last quarter, to the best of its knowledge and to the extent legally possible”. Also Read | Israeli forces will enter Rafah ‘with or without’ Gaza hostage deal, says PM Netanyahu It will also reestablish an Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility which will include representatives from students, faculty and staff. Northwestern University, as per ABC News, also pledged more inclusivity, funding two Palestinian faculty members and the full cost of attendance for five Palestinian undergraduate students every year. As a part of the agreement, the university said that the encampment would be dismantled immediately, except for one aid tent and students are required to stop the “non-approved use of amplified sound.” (With inputs from agencies)

Northwestern University reaches deal with pro-Palestinian protesters to end encampment on campus

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right allies are putting pressure on him to reject a renewed ceasefire in Gaza, threatening the stability of his administration should he retreat from an attack on Hamas in Rafah.

Israel-Hamas war: Israelis call for release of hostages | Blinken's West Asia 'crisis trip'

After nearly seven months of Israel's war on Gaza, hopes for a long-awaited truce and hostage release agreement increased on Monday. According to his British counterpart, the proposal might result in the release of thousands of Palestinian detainees, and Washington's top diplomat expressed his "hopeful" acceptance of Hamas' offer.

Blinken's West Asia 'crisis trip': Blinken 'hopeful' Hamas will accept deal

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has arrived in Jordan to discuss ways to boost aid deliveries into Gaza. Cautious hopes are building for a truce deal in Gaza as Hamas is currently preparing to respond to a new framework proposed by Egyptian mediators. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Mediators build pressure on Israel, Hamas for ceasefire

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received a phone call on Monday from U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss the latest developments in negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the dangers of a military escalation in Rafah, Egypt's presidency said.

Israel-hamas war: Biden holds separate calls with leaders from Qatar, Egypt over Gaza ceasefire

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has arrived in Jordan the top American Diplomat will discuss ways to boost Aid deliveries into Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: US Secy of State Blinken to Hamas: Take 'Generous offer' by Israel

US troops have begun construction of a maritime pier off the coast of Gaza that aims to speed the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave when it becomes operational in May, the Pentagon said.

US military's pier in Gaza to cost $320 million | How will the humanitarian pier in Gaza will work?

Blinken's West Asia Trip: Blinken & Saudi Crown Prince discuss truce deal

Blinken's West Asia trip: Blinken says, 'Accept Israel's extraordinarily generous Gaza deal'

Humanitarian group World Central Kitchen, which lost seven of its aid workers in an Israeli airstrike a month ago, has announced that it will resume operations in Gaza from Monday (April 29).

Humanitarian group World Central Kitchen, which lost seven of its aid workers in an Israeli airstrike a month ago, has announced that it will resume operations in Gaza from Monday (April 29). The World Central Kitchen's operations were paused by its celebrity chef Jose Andres after its convoy was hit by Israel Defence Forces on April 1. In a message, World Central Kitchen (WCK) CEO Erin Gore said that the organisation will “continue to get as much food into Gaza, including northern Gaza, as possible.” Also Read: Israel targeted aid convoy 'systematically, car by car' and killed his staff members, alleges WCK founder “The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. We are restarting our operation with the same energy, dignity, and focus on feeding as many people as possible. To date, we have distributed more than 43 million meals and we are eager to deliver millions more. Food is a universal right and our work in Gaza has been the most life-saving mission in our 14-year organisational history,” said Gore in the statement. WCK promises to deliver food 'with same energy, dignity and focus' The group, while speaking about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, said that they were restarting operations “with the same energy, dignity, and focus” to provide food to as many people as possible as they continue to mourn the loss of their seven colleagues and friends. “We have been forced to make a decision: stop feeding altogether during one of the worst hunger crises ever, ending our operation that accounted for 62% of all International NGO aid, or keep feeding knowing that aid, aid workers, and civilians are being intimidated and killed,” wrote Erin Gore the CEO of WCK. “These are the hardest conversations and we have to consider all perspectives when deliberating. Ultimately, we decided that we must keep feeding, continuing our mission of showing up to provide food to people during the toughest of times,” she said. The announcement was made less than a month after a three-car convoy carrying seven international aid workers was struck by an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) missile in central Gaza. Watch: Aid ship carrying food supplies from World Central Kitchen charity reaches Gaza coast The aid workers were identified by the organisation as Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, a 25-year-old Palestinian; Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, a 43-year-old Australian; Damian Soból, a 35-year-old from Poland; Jacob Flickinger, a 33-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada; and security team members John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, all from the United Kingdom. There are 276 trucks of World Central Kitchen which can transfer almost 8 million meals into Gaza via Rafah. These trucks will also be sent to the enclave via Jordan, WCK said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

World Central Kitchen to restart sending food to Gaza, one month after losing seven aid workers

U.S. troops have begun construction of a maritime pier off the coast of Gaza that aims to speed the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave when it becomes operational in May, the Pentagon said.

Israel-hamas war: Pentagon confirms Gaza aid pier has began, to become operational by early May

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken to visit Israel, Jordan - Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine - Biden, Netanyahu review hostage -release talks - Blinken in Saudi to discuss Gaza issue - FIR over 'doctored' Amit Shah video

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