An Israeli drone strike in central Syria killed two Hezbollah fighters on Saturday (May 25), said a war monitor.

"An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to Al-Dabaa military airport, killing at least two Hezbollah fighters and wounding others," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

This was the third Israeli strike against Lebanon's Iran-backed targets in Syria in about a week's time.

Earlier, Israeli strikes hit the Qusayr area, in the vicinity of the Lebanese border, and killed two men, said Observatory, a Britain-based monitor with a network of sources in Syria.

At least one out of the deceased was a Hezbollah fighter, the news agency AFP reported citing a source of the militant group.

Another strike, on May 18, targeted "a Hezbollah commander and his companion", the Observatory said. It did not report any casualties.

Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not let its arch-foe Iran expand its presence in Syria.

Israel has carried out several strikes in Syria since the civil war in its northern neighbour broke out, primarily aiming at army positions and Iran-backed fighters including from Hezbollah.

The strikes multiplied since the outbreak of Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, on Oct 7, when the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack against Israel.

Last month, Syria had accused Israel of launching attacks targeting army positions.

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Syria's defence ministry released a statement saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an attack using missiles... targeting our air defence sites in the southern region" and causing material damage.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that Israel hit the army radar position in the southern province of Daraa that had detected the entry of Israeli planes into Syria's airspace.

Head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman said that the air offensive occurred at the time "when the Israeli air force was flying intensively over the Daraa region".

Syria's foreign ministry condemned "in the strongest terms" Friday's "Israeli aggression and the attacks before it on its territory".

Syria called on "the international community and the United Nations... to take all deterrence measures to stop" the Israeli attacks, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Israeli drone strike in central Syria killed two Hezbollah fighters on Saturday (May 25), said a war monitor. "An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to Al-Dabaa military airport, killing at least two Hezbollah fighters and wounding others," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

An Israeli drone strike in central Syria killed two Hezbollah fighters on Saturday (May 25), said a war monitor. "An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to Al-Dabaa military airport, killing at least two Hezbollah fighters and wounding others," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This was the third Israeli strike against Lebanon's Iran-backed targets in Syria in about a week's time. Earlier, Israeli strikes hit the Qusayr area, in the vicinity of the Lebanese border, and killed two men, said Observatory, a Britain-based monitor with a network of sources in Syria. At least one out of the deceased was a Hezbollah fighter, the news agency AFP reported citing a source of the militant group. Another strike, on May 18, targeted "a Hezbollah commander and his companion", the Observatory said. It did not report any casualties. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not let its arch-foe Iran expand its presence in Syria. Israel has carried out several strikes in Syria since the civil war in its northern neighbour broke out, primarily aiming at army positions and Iran-backed fighters including from Hezbollah. The strikes multiplied since the outbreak of Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, on Oct 7, when the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack against Israel. Last month, Syria had accused Israel of launching attacks targeting army positions. Also read: Domes, minarets disappear from China’s last Arabic-style mosque, replaced by pagoda rooftop, towers Syria's defence ministry released a statement saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an attack using missiles... targeting our air defence sites in the southern region" and causing material damage. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that Israel hit the army radar position in the southern province of Daraa that had detected the entry of Israeli planes into Syria's airspace. Head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman said that the air offensive occurred at the time "when the Israeli air force was flying intensively over the Daraa region". Syria's foreign ministry condemned "in the strongest terms" Friday's "Israeli aggression and the attacks before it on its territory". Syria called on "the international community and the United Nations... to take all deterrence measures to stop" the Israeli attacks, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli drone strike kills two Hezbollah fighters in Syria

The United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election next month.

In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 move by the&nbsp;Palestinian militant group Hamas,&nbsp;which sparked the Gaza war. amounted to a “reward for terror”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-general-elections-to-be-held-in-july-reports-724367">UK PM Rishi Sunak springs a surprise, announces general elections on July 4</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/23/433235-wion-images-2024-05-23t002655187.png?imwidth=400" />

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the King has granted the request for dissolution of parliament and the general election will be held on July 4.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4-dead-and-35-injured-as-iowa-reels-from-tornado-724426">At least 5 killed, 35 injured as tornado wreaks havoc in Iowa</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/23/433240-untitled-design-46.png?imwidth=400" />

At least five&nbsp;people died and 35 were injured in a tornado that devastated a small town in Iowa.&nbsp;The number of people injured is likely higher, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said on Wednesday (May 22). The names of those killed haven’t been released.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-send-out-forces-around-island-after-china-starts-punishment-drills-724443">Taiwan send out forces around island after China starts 'punishment' drills</a>

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Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversial-flag-flown-over-supreme-court-justice-alitos-home-report-724424">Controversial flag flown over US Supreme Court Justice Alito's home: Report</a>

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A flag&nbsp;reading&nbsp;‘Appeal to Heaven,’ was flown by some of the Capitol attackers on January 6, 2021 atop Virginia justices's house. This same flag was seen flying over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's home last summer, the New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 22).

Watch:&nbsp;‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state

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The United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election next month. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 move by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which sparked the Gaza war.

The United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election next month. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 move by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which sparked the Gaza war. amounted to a “reward for terror”. UK PM Rishi Sunak springs a surprise, announces general elections on July 4 British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the King has granted the request for dissolution of parliament and the general election will be held on July 4. At least 5 killed, 35 injured as tornado wreaks havoc in Iowa At least five people died and 35 were injured in a tornado that devastated a small town in Iowa. The number of people injured is likely higher, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said on Wednesday (May 22). The names of those killed haven’t been released. Taiwan send out forces around island after China starts 'punishment' drills Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23). Controversial flag flown over US Supreme Court Justice Alito's home: Report A flag reading ‘Appeal to Heaven,’ was flown by some of the Capitol attackers on January 6, 2021 atop Virginia justices's house. This same flag was seen flying over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's home last summer, the New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 22). Watch: ‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state ×

Morning news brief: Sunak and Starmer kick-off campaigns; Netanyahu blasts Ireland, and more

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who along with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-slams-icc-after-chief-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-pm-defence-minister-723681">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> was named in Monday's announcement at The Hague, called it a "disgraceful" bid to interfere in Israel's more than seven-month-old Gaza war against Hamas.

Israel's anger is echoed in Washington, which condemned the impression of equivalence given by the fact that the prosecutor, Karim Khan, simultaneously sought warrants against leaders of the Palestinian Islamist group.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-3-hamas-leaders-723520">&nbsp;International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders</a>

"We call on the nations of the civilised, free world - nations who despise terrorists and anyone who supports them - to stand by Israel. You should outright condemn this step," government spokesperson Tal Heinrich said.

"Make sure the ICC understands where you stand. Oppose the prosecutor's decision and declare that, even if warrants are issued, you do not intend to enforce them. Because this is not about our leaders. It's about our survival."

In a post on X, Gallant said: "The attempt by Prosecutor Karim Khan to deny the State of Israel the right to self-defence and to free its hostages must be rejected out of hand."

Hamas holds around 125 hostages seized during its cross-border rampage on October&nbsp;7, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and triggered the war. Gaza medical officials say more than 35,000 have been killed during the Israeli offensive.&nbsp;

Khan said on Monday that Israel did have the right to defend its population but added: "That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law."

He said that, whatever Israel's military goals in Gaza, the prosecution believed its methods - "namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population" - were criminal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amal-clooney-helps-icc-seek-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-hamas-leaders-723687">Amal Clooney helped ICC seek arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders</a>

The US&nbsp;ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, said there was no comparing "actions taken by a democratic government here with the behaviour of a terrorist organisation that is fighting in a way that has created these conditions".

"I don't think that a day has gone by that I haven't worked with either the prime minister or the defence minister or somebody in their immediate circle on how you get humanitarian assistance to starving people," he added, speaking at a conference.

Asked if Netanyahu or Gallant would avoid travelling to ICC-signatory countries if arrest warrants were issued, Heinrich said: "Let's wait and see."

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants.

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was named in Monday's announcement at The Hague, called it a "disgraceful" bid to interfere in Israel's more than seven-month-old Gaza war against Hamas. Israel's anger is echoed in Washington, which condemned the impression of equivalence given by the fact that the prosecutor, Karim Khan, simultaneously sought warrants against leaders of the Palestinian Islamist group. Also Read | International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders "We call on the nations of the civilised, free world - nations who despise terrorists and anyone who supports them - to stand by Israel. You should outright condemn this step," government spokesperson Tal Heinrich said. "Make sure the ICC understands where you stand. Oppose the prosecutor's decision and declare that, even if warrants are issued, you do not intend to enforce them. Because this is not about our leaders. It's about our survival." In a post on X, Gallant said: "The attempt by Prosecutor Karim Khan to deny the State of Israel the right to self-defence and to free its hostages must be rejected out of hand." Hamas holds around 125 hostages seized during its cross-border rampage on October 7, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and triggered the war. Gaza medical officials say more than 35,000 have been killed during the Israeli offensive. Khan said on Monday that Israel did have the right to defend its population but added: "That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law." He said that, whatever Israel's military goals in Gaza, the prosecution believed its methods - "namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population" - were criminal. Also Read | Amal Clooney helped ICC seek arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders The US ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, said there was no comparing "actions taken by a democratic government here with the behaviour of a terrorist organisation that is fighting in a way that has created these conditions". "I don't think that a day has gone by that I haven't worked with either the prime minister or the defence minister or somebody in their immediate circle on how you get humanitarian assistance to starving people," he added, speaking at a conference. Asked if Netanyahu or Gallant would avoid travelling to ICC-signatory countries if arrest warrants were issued, Heinrich said: "Let's wait and see."

Israel urges 'civilised nations' to spurn arrest warrants by ICC for its leaders

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war.

<h2> 
Key highway blocked</h2>

On Monday morning protesters attempted to block traffic on the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, reported the Times of Israel, ahead of the main rally against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government which was supposed to take place outside the Knesset in the afternoon.&nbsp;

The protestsers called&nbsp;for the Netanyahu-led government to resign and hold an early election after it failed to bring the hostages that Hamas took from Israel after the attack on October 7.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-slams-icc-after-chief-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-pm-defence-minister-723681">Biden, Netanyahu slams ICC after chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM, defence minister</a>

Tens of thousands of people from Israel’s north and south, who have been displaced due to the attacks by Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group&nbsp;and Hamas, also took part in the protest.

The demonstrators also rallied against the Haredi conscription legislation which is aimed at regulating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into the military.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 13 protesters arrested</h2>

One of the many protest groups participating in the demonstration on Monday, Brothers in Arms, said at least 13 of its members had been detained following an altercation with the police&nbsp;

According to the Times of Israel, the arrests came after the activists attempted to block traffic.

Police said the demonstrators were detained as they were supposedly planning to set vehicles on fire to create a long-lasting shutdown of the main road.&nbsp;

The group later took to X and denied the allegations and accused the police of lying and carrying out arrests without evidence.&nbsp; “The Israel Police has become an executive political tool of an extremist government,” said the group.&nbsp;

It added, “We will continue with a determined and nonviolent protest to return the mandate to the people. We call on the public to join us until the Knesset is dissolved.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-3-hamas-leaders-723520">International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders</a>

According to Channel 12 news, hundreds of police officers were deployed outside the Israeli parliament.&nbsp;

March to Netanyahu’s house

There was also an unauthorised march to Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, on Monday evening, which strayed off course after protesters, who were reportedly split into multiple directions, were hit with the putrid Skunk liquid, a chemical compound designed to disperse crowds, by the police.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war.

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war. Key highway blocked On Monday morning protesters attempted to block traffic on the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, reported the Times of Israel, ahead of the main rally against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government which was supposed to take place outside the Knesset in the afternoon. The protestsers called for the Netanyahu-led government to resign and hold an early election after it failed to bring the hostages that Hamas took from Israel after the attack on October 7. Also Read | Biden, Netanyahu slams ICC after chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM, defence minister Tens of thousands of people from Israel’s north and south, who have been displaced due to the attacks by Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group and Hamas, also took part in the protest. The demonstrators also rallied against the Haredi conscription legislation which is aimed at regulating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into the military. At least 13 protesters arrested One of the many protest groups participating in the demonstration on Monday, Brothers in Arms, said at least 13 of its members had been detained following an altercation with the police According to the Times of Israel, the arrests came after the activists attempted to block traffic. Police said the demonstrators were detained as they were supposedly planning to set vehicles on fire to create a long-lasting shutdown of the main road. The group later took to X and denied the allegations and accused the police of lying and carrying out arrests without evidence. “The Israel Police has become an executive political tool of an extremist government,” said the group. It added, “We will continue with a determined and nonviolent protest to return the mandate to the people. We call on the public to join us until the Knesset is dissolved.” Also Read | International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders According to Channel 12 news, hundreds of police officers were deployed outside the Israeli parliament. March to Netanyahu’s house There was also an unauthorised march to Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, on Monday evening, which strayed off course after protesters, who were reportedly split into multiple directions, were hit with the putrid Skunk liquid, a chemical compound designed to disperse crowds, by the police. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: Several anti-government protesters arrested after clashing with police on ‘day of disruption’

Hamas on Monday (May 20) mourned the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19).&nbsp;

The Palestinian militant group, that is fighting a war with Israel, said that Raisi supported the Palestinian people during the ongoing offensive.

"These leaders supported the legitimate struggle of our people against the Zionist entity, provided valued support to the Palestinian resistance, and made tireless efforts in solidarity and support in all forums and fields for our people in the steadfast Gaza Strip during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood," referring to the war with Israel which began on Oct 7.

"They also made significant political and diplomatic efforts to stop the Zionist aggression against our Palestinian people," said Hamas in a statement.

Raisi, who was also seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, lost his life in a helicopter crash that was first reported on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

The incident took place in the mountainous terrain near the border of Azerbaijan, as the Iranian leader was returning from the Khoda Afarin region after inaugurating a dam.

The helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found in a charred state early on Monday after an overnight search amid rain and fog.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declares-one-day-state-mourning-after-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-dies-in-helicopter-crash-723584">Also read: India declares one-day state mourning after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash</a>

<h2>'Raisi played important role in supporting Palestinians,' says Islamic Jihad</h2>

The Islamic Jihad group, which is fighting alongside Hamas in the war-torn Gaza Strip, also released a statement saying that Raisi and Amirabdollahian "played a prominent and clear role in supporting and assisting the struggle of the Palestinian people and its resistance in facing the ongoing criminal Zionist aggression."

"We are confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran can overcome this painful ordeal, as it has overcome all difficulties and challenges throughout its extended journey over the past decades," the group added.&nbsp;

<h2>Hezbollah expresses condolences</h2>

Lebanon's armed group Hezbollah offered its condolences on the death of Raisi.

"On the occasion of the painful incident that led to the martyrdom of Mr. Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the martyrdom of our dear brother Dr. Hossein Amirabdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic and the representative of His Eminence Imam Khamenei in Azerbaijan Province, Mr. Mohamed Ali Al Hashem and the rest of the honourable brothers. Hezbollah in Lebanon extends its deepest condolences and feelings of sympathy for their loss," the statement said.

"We have known His Eminence the martyr president closely for a long time. He was a big brother to us, a strong supporter, a staunch defender of our causes and the nation’s causes, foremost of which is Jerusalem and Palestine, and a protector of the resistance movements and their fighters in all the positions of responsibility he assumed," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Iran and Gaza war</h2>

The statements by the militant groups claiming support from Raisi in the war against Israel come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the besieged Palestinian enclave which started after Hamas' assault on Oct 7.

Iran has repeatedly refuted claims of its involvement in what is termed one of the bloodiest attacks in Israel's history.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after Hamas' unprecedented attacks against Israel, had said, "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong."

Foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani had also denied an Iranian role in the attacks, “The accusations linked to an Iranian role… are based on political reasons.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Hamas on Monday (May 20) mourned the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19).

Hamas on Monday (May 20) mourned the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19). The Palestinian militant group, that is fighting a war with Israel, said that Raisi supported the Palestinian people during the ongoing offensive. "These leaders supported the legitimate struggle of our people against the Zionist entity, provided valued support to the Palestinian resistance, and made tireless efforts in solidarity and support in all forums and fields for our people in the steadfast Gaza Strip during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood," referring to the war with Israel which began on Oct 7. "They also made significant political and diplomatic efforts to stop the Zionist aggression against our Palestinian people," said Hamas in a statement. Raisi, who was also seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, lost his life in a helicopter crash that was first reported on Sunday evening. The incident took place in the mountainous terrain near the border of Azerbaijan, as the Iranian leader was returning from the Khoda Afarin region after inaugurating a dam. The helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found in a charred state early on Monday after an overnight search amid rain and fog. Also read: India declares one-day state mourning after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash 'Raisi played important role in supporting Palestinians,' says Islamic Jihad The Islamic Jihad group, which is fighting alongside Hamas in the war-torn Gaza Strip, also released a statement saying that Raisi and Amirabdollahian "played a prominent and clear role in supporting and assisting the struggle of the Palestinian people and its resistance in facing the ongoing criminal Zionist aggression." "We are confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran can overcome this painful ordeal, as it has overcome all difficulties and challenges throughout its extended journey over the past decades," the group added. Hezbollah expresses condolences Lebanon's armed group Hezbollah offered its condolences on the death of Raisi. "On the occasion of the painful incident that led to the martyrdom of Mr. Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the martyrdom of our dear brother Dr. Hossein Amirabdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic and the representative of His Eminence Imam Khamenei in Azerbaijan Province, Mr. Mohamed Ali Al Hashem and the rest of the honourable brothers. Hezbollah in Lebanon extends its deepest condolences and feelings of sympathy for their loss," the statement said. "We have known His Eminence the martyr president closely for a long time. He was a big brother to us, a strong supporter, a staunch defender of our causes and the nation’s causes, foremost of which is Jerusalem and Palestine, and a protector of the resistance movements and their fighters in all the positions of responsibility he assumed," it added. Iran and Gaza war The statements by the militant groups claiming support from Raisi in the war against Israel come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the besieged Palestinian enclave which started after Hamas' assault on Oct 7. Iran has repeatedly refuted claims of its involvement in what is termed one of the bloodiest attacks in Israel's history. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after Hamas' unprecedented attacks against Israel, had said, "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong." Foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani had also denied an Iranian role in the attacks, “The accusations linked to an Iranian role… are based on political reasons.” (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad mourn Raisi’s demise, hail him for ‘support’ in war against Israel

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler and United States President Joe Biden's top aide have reportedly held talks around a "semi-final" version of a deal that is expected to strengthen the security ties.

The meeting involved discussions between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, in the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday (May 19).

Sullivan arrived in Israel on Sunday for talks surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza.

"The semi-final version of the draft strategic agreements between the Kingdom and the United States of America, which are almost being finalised... were discussed," SPA said.

The meeting between the officials also involved talks around "what is being worked on between the two sides on the Palestinian issue to find a credible path towards a two-state solution", along with endeavours to put an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and streamline the distribution of humanitarian aid in the region. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whitewashed-words-netanyahus-office-hits-back-at-gantzs-ultimatum-722944">Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum'</a>

The Biden administration has actively chased the 'mega-deal' where Washington has agreed to give benefits to Saudi Arabia including a defence pact and assistance with a civilian nuclear programme with uranium enrichment capacity in exchange for providing first-ever recognition of Israel.

Earlier in the month of September, Prince Mohammed in an interview with the US network Fox News said that "every day we get closer" to a deal to normalise ties. This was before Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel.

After the Palestinian militant group's Oct 7 assault, the US had accused Hamas of derailing the efforts to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

"It wouldn't be a surprise that part of the motivation may have been to disrupt efforts to bring Saudi Arabia and Israel together, along with other countries that may be interested in normalising relations with Israel," the US Secretary of State had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler and United States President Joe Biden's top aide have reportedly held talks around a "semi-final" version of a deal that is expected to strengthen the security ties.

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler and United States President Joe Biden's top aide have reportedly held talks around a "semi-final" version of a deal that is expected to strengthen the security ties. The meeting involved discussions between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, in the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday (May 19). Sullivan arrived in Israel on Sunday for talks surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza. "The semi-final version of the draft strategic agreements between the Kingdom and the United States of America, which are almost being finalised... were discussed," SPA said. The meeting between the officials also involved talks around "what is being worked on between the two sides on the Palestinian issue to find a credible path towards a two-state solution", along with endeavours to put an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and streamline the distribution of humanitarian aid in the region. Also read: Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum' The Biden administration has actively chased the 'mega-deal' where Washington has agreed to give benefits to Saudi Arabia including a defence pact and assistance with a civilian nuclear programme with uranium enrichment capacity in exchange for providing first-ever recognition of Israel. Earlier in the month of September, Prince Mohammed in an interview with the US network Fox News said that "every day we get closer" to a deal to normalise ties. This was before Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel. After the Palestinian militant group's Oct 7 assault, the US had accused Hamas of derailing the efforts to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. "It wouldn't be a surprise that part of the motivation may have been to disrupt efforts to bring Saudi Arabia and Israel together, along with other countries that may be interested in normalising relations with Israel," the US Secretary of State had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi crown prince and US national security adviser discuss ‘semi-final’ version of security deal

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with the officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn on Saturday (May 18), which reportedly led to over 30 arrests.

<h2>Protesters and police clash in Brooklyn&nbsp;</h2>

Chaos erupted at a pro-Palestinian rally in the Bay Ridge neighbourhood in Brooklyn where a group of at least 250 people were protesting the Israeli military’s offensive in Gaza.&nbsp;

In various videos posted on social media of the rally, NYPD officers can be seen punching at least three people who were wrestled to the ground. This comes after police reportedly tried to move them towards the sidewalk in Bay Ridge.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the officers began tackling and arresting people, while some protesters could be seen yelling and fighting back with the officers, according to the videos.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-20-killed-after-israeli-strike-on-nuseirat-refugee-camp-in-central-gaza-723049">Death toll after Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza rises to 31</a>

According to the New York Post, the entire neighbourhood was blanketed by a massive police presence. “The NYPD has spent over 400 million on Palestine protest alone,” the demonstrators chanted in a call and response, as quoted by the media report.&nbsp;

A report by the New York Times, early Sunday (May 19), citing a senior law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity said at least 34 people were arrested amid the protest in Brooklyn, while the charges they face were unclear.&nbsp;

<h2>University of Pennsylvania</h2>

The University of Pennsylvania police, on Saturday, said six students were among 19 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during an attempt to occupy a school building.&nbsp;

Members of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine had called for action on Friday (May 17) at the school’s Fisher-Bennett Hall, urging supporters to bring “flags, pots, pans, noise-makers, megaphones” and other items, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

The local media reported that the officers from the University police supported by city police then escorted the protesters out and secured the building.&nbsp;

The police said that they recovered “lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums,” after clearing out the building.&nbsp;

Additionally, exit doors had been secured with zip ties and barbed wire and barricaded with metal chairs and desks, while windows were covered by newspaper and cardboard, and bike racks and metal chairs blocked entrances, said the police, according to AP.&nbsp;

Last week, city and university police broke up a two-week encampment on the campus, arresting 33 people, nine of whom were students and two dozen of whom had “no Penn affiliation,” according to university officials.

<h2>Campus protests in Australia</h2>

In a statement, on Saturday, students at La Trobe University said that the college authorities are “attempting to crush pro-Palestine encampments.” This comes amid a wave of campus protests in support of Palestinians in Australia.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whitewashed-words-netanyahus-office-hits-back-at-gantzs-ultimatum-722944">Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum'</a>

La Trobe University, on Friday, issued a formal directive for protesters asking them to end their encampment on the Bundoora campus, according to the Guardian.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, students at the University of Melbourne spent four nights camped inside the Arts West building as organisers of the protests and university administration remained in a deadlock as the university’s executives had not met their key demands.&nbsp;

The students have also renamed the building from Arts West to Mahmoud Hall, to honour a Palestinian student who they say intended to study at the but was killed in Gaza last year.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with the officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn on Saturday (May 18), which reportedly led to over 30 arrests.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with the officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn on Saturday (May 18), which reportedly led to over 30 arrests. Protesters and police clash in Brooklyn Chaos erupted at a pro-Palestinian rally in the Bay Ridge neighbourhood in Brooklyn where a group of at least 250 people were protesting the Israeli military’s offensive in Gaza. In various videos posted on social media of the rally, NYPD officers can be seen punching at least three people who were wrestled to the ground. This comes after police reportedly tried to move them towards the sidewalk in Bay Ridge. Subsequently, the officers began tackling and arresting people, while some protesters could be seen yelling and fighting back with the officers, according to the videos. Also Read | Death toll after Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza rises to 31 According to the New York Post, the entire neighbourhood was blanketed by a massive police presence. “The NYPD has spent over 400 million on Palestine protest alone,” the demonstrators chanted in a call and response, as quoted by the media report. A report by the New York Times, early Sunday (May 19), citing a senior law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity said at least 34 people were arrested amid the protest in Brooklyn, while the charges they face were unclear. University of Pennsylvania The University of Pennsylvania police, on Saturday, said six students were among 19 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during an attempt to occupy a school building. Members of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine had called for action on Friday (May 17) at the school’s Fisher-Bennett Hall, urging supporters to bring “flags, pots, pans, noise-makers, megaphones” and other items, according to the Associated Press. The local media reported that the officers from the University police supported by city police then escorted the protesters out and secured the building. The police said that they recovered “lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums,” after clearing out the building. Additionally, exit doors had been secured with zip ties and barbed wire and barricaded with metal chairs and desks, while windows were covered by newspaper and cardboard, and bike racks and metal chairs blocked entrances, said the police, according to AP. Last week, city and university police broke up a two-week encampment on the campus, arresting 33 people, nine of whom were students and two dozen of whom had “no Penn affiliation,” according to university officials. Campus protests in Australia In a statement, on Saturday, students at La Trobe University said that the college authorities are “attempting to crush pro-Palestine encampments.” This comes amid a wave of campus protests in support of Palestinians in Australia. Also Read | Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum' La Trobe University, on Friday, issued a formal directive for protesters asking them to end their encampment on the Bundoora campus, according to the Guardian. Meanwhile, students at the University of Melbourne spent four nights camped inside the Arts West building as organisers of the protests and university administration remained in a deadlock as the university’s executives had not met their key demands. The students have also renamed the building from Arts West to Mahmoud Hall, to honour a Palestinian student who they say intended to study at the but was killed in Gaza last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested after clashing with police in New York

The death toll after an Israeli airstrike targeted a house at Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the Palestinian enclave, rose to 31, said Gaza's civil defence agency on&nbsp;Sunday (May 19).&nbsp;This comes a day after Israeli troops and tanks pushed into parts of congested northern Gaza killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians, reported Reuters citing medics and residents.&nbsp;

<h2>Deadly strike on Nuseirat refugee camp</h2>

"The civil defence crew were able to recover 31 martyrs and 20 wounded from a house belonging to the Hassan family, which was targeted by the Israeli occupation forces in the Nuseirat camp," Gaza civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told journalists.

This comes after the&nbsp;Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said at least 20 people had been killed due to the Israeli strike.&nbsp;

“We received 20 fatalities and several wounded after an Israeli air strike targeted a house belonging to the Hassan family in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza,” the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital had said, in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;IDF's campaign leaves Gaza's medical system on brink of collapse

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The news agency citing witnesses said that the airstrike occurred around 3:00 am (local time), while the Israeli army said that they were checking reports.&nbsp;

The Palestinian official news agency Wafa reported that several children were among those wounded and that the rescuers were searching for those missing under the rubble.&nbsp;

Heavy Israeli bombardment has been reported in the central Nuseirat camp since the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched a “targeted” operation focusing on the city of Rafah, earlier this month.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whitewashed-words-netanyahus-office-hits-back-at-gantzs-ultimatum-722944">Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum'</a>

Witnesses, according to AFP, said several other houses were targeted in air strikes during the night across Gaza. Additionally, air strikes and artillery shelling also hit parts of Rafah overnight.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 800,000 Gazans have evacuated from Rafah: UN</h2>

The Israeli forces, earlier this month, issued evacuation orders for Rafah, a southern city in the Palestinian enclave near the Egyptian border packed with hundreds of thousands of Gazans displaced amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

Around 800,000 Palestinians have been “forced to flee” Rafah amid Israel’s military operation, said the United Nations, on Saturday.&nbsp;

“In response to evacuation orders demanding people to flee to so-called safe zones, people mainly went to the middle areas and Khan Younis including to destroyed buildings,” said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, in a post on X.&nbsp;

He added, “Every time, they are forced to leave behind the few belongings they have:  mattresses, tents, cooking utensils and basic supplies that they cannot carry or pay to transport. Every time, they have to start from scratch, all over again.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-hostage-shani-louks-body-recovered-who-was-she-722672">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hostage Shani Louk's body recovered. Who was she?&nbsp;</a>

The Hamas-run health ministry and the Civil Emergency Service said teams received dozens of calls about possible casualties but were unable to carry out any searches because of the ongoing ground offensive and aerial bombardment, reported Reuters, on Saturday.&nbsp;

“Today is the most difficult in terms of the occupation bombardment, air strikes and tank shelling have going on almost non-stop,” a resident in Jabalia, Ibrahim Khaled, told Reuters.&nbsp;

He added, “We know of dozens of people, martyrs (killed) and wounded, but no ambulance vehicle can get into the area.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The death toll after an Israeli airstrike targeted a house at Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the Palestinian enclave, rose to 31, said Gaza's civil defence agency on Sunday (May 19).

The death toll after an Israeli airstrike targeted a house at Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the Palestinian enclave, rose to 31, said Gaza's civil defence agency on Sunday (May 19). This comes a day after Israeli troops and tanks pushed into parts of congested northern Gaza killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians, reported Reuters citing medics and residents. Deadly strike on Nuseirat refugee camp "The civil defence crew were able to recover 31 martyrs and 20 wounded from a house belonging to the Hassan family, which was targeted by the Israeli occupation forces in the Nuseirat camp," Gaza civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told journalists. This comes after the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said at least 20 people had been killed due to the Israeli strike. “We received 20 fatalities and several wounded after an Israeli air strike targeted a house belonging to the Hassan family in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza,” the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital had said, in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP. WATCH | IDF's campaign leaves Gaza's medical system on brink of collapse The news agency citing witnesses said that the airstrike occurred around 3:00 am (local time), while the Israeli army said that they were checking reports. The Palestinian official news agency Wafa reported that several children were among those wounded and that the rescuers were searching for those missing under the rubble. Heavy Israeli bombardment has been reported in the central Nuseirat camp since the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched a “targeted” operation focusing on the city of Rafah, earlier this month. Also Read | Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum' Witnesses, according to AFP, said several other houses were targeted in air strikes during the night across Gaza. Additionally, air strikes and artillery shelling also hit parts of Rafah overnight. At least 800,000 Gazans have evacuated from Rafah: UN The Israeli forces, earlier this month, issued evacuation orders for Rafah, a southern city in the Palestinian enclave near the Egyptian border packed with hundreds of thousands of Gazans displaced amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Around 800,000 Palestinians have been “forced to flee” Rafah amid Israel’s military operation, said the United Nations, on Saturday. “In response to evacuation orders demanding people to flee to so-called safe zones, people mainly went to the middle areas and Khan Younis including to destroyed buildings,” said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, in a post on X. He added, “Every time, they are forced to leave behind the few belongings they have:  mattresses, tents, cooking utensils and basic supplies that they cannot carry or pay to transport. Every time, they have to start from scratch, all over again.” Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hostage Shani Louk's body recovered. Who was she? The Hamas-run health ministry and the Civil Emergency Service said teams received dozens of calls about possible casualties but were unable to carry out any searches because of the ongoing ground offensive and aerial bombardment, reported Reuters, on Saturday. “Today is the most difficult in terms of the occupation bombardment, air strikes and tank shelling have going on almost non-stop,” a resident in Jabalia, Ibrahim Khaled, told Reuters. He added, “We know of dozens of people, martyrs (killed) and wounded, but no ambulance vehicle can get into the area.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Death toll after Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza rises to 31

The Israeli Army said that the troops have recovered the bodies of three hostages, who had been abducted from a music festival, in a tunnel situated in the war-torn Gaza Strip. They were held captive and "murdered" by Hamas after the terror attack of October 7 last year, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

IDF spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari on Friday (May 17) identified the hostages as Shani Louk, Amit Bouskila, and Itshak Gelernter.

"Last night, the Israel Defence Forces (army) rescued the bodies of our hostages Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Itzhak Gelerenter," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised address.

He said that all three of them were killed by the Palestinian militant group at the Nova music festival and their bodies taken into Gaza.

"They were celebrating life in the Nova music festival and they were murdered by Hamas," he said.&nbsp;

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We are devastated to share that the <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDF</a> recovered the bodies of three Israeli hostages who were kidnapped from the Nova Festival and held by Hamas in Gaza. 
 
Amit Bouskila (28) 
Shani Louk (23) 
Itzhak Gelerenter (53) 
 
There are no words. 
 
May their memory be a blessing. <a href="https://t.co/N8xEvUPBC2">pic.twitter.com/N8xEvUPBC2</a>
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel/status/1791495933508649120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Thousands of people had gathered to enjoy the electronic music fest at Re'im kibbutz close to the Gaza border when Hamas launched its assault against Israel on Oct 7 and held hundreds of them as hostages.

The Palestinian militant group, as per Israeli officials, crossed over the border and claimed the lives of over 360 people at the festival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-south-africas-genocide-case-totally-divorced-from-facts-says-israel-722433">Israel-Hamas war: US delivers first aid to Gaza via temporary&nbsp;pier</a>

<h2>'This terrible loss is heart-breaking,' says Netanyahu</h2>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement and vowed to bring back all the hostages after the announcement.

He also heaped praises on the military operation and his "brave" soldiers.&nbsp;

"Heartbroken for the great loss. My wife Sara and I grieve with the families. The hearts of all of us are firm in the hour of the liver's death. We will return all our hostages, living and space alike. I congratulate our brave forces who, with determined action, returned boys and girls to their border," Netanyahu wrote in a posting on his official X account.

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הלב נשבר על האובדן הגדול. רעייתי שרה ואני דואבים עם המשפחות. לב כולנו איתן בשעת יגונן הכבד. 
 
נחזיר את כל חטופינו, החיים והחללים כאחד. 
 
אני מברך את כוחותינו האמיצים שבפעולה נחושה השיבו בנים ובנות לגבולם.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1791491891331998008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7, which as per Israeli tallies claimed the lives of 1,200 people. The militant group abducted 252 people and held them as hostages, out of which 125 still remain in Gaza.

The Hostages Families Forum released a statement saying that the recovery of the bodies was a "painful and stark reminder that we must swiftly bring back all our brothers and sisters from their cruel captivity".

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The Israeli Army said that the troops have recovered the bodies of three hostages, who had been abducted from a music festival, in a tunnel situated in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Army said that the troops have recovered the bodies of three hostages, who had been abducted from a music festival, in a tunnel situated in the war-torn Gaza Strip. They were held captive and "murdered" by Hamas after the terror attack of October 7 last year, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari on Friday (May 17) identified the hostages as Shani Louk, Amit Bouskila, and Itshak Gelernter. "Last night, the Israel Defence Forces (army) rescued the bodies of our hostages Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Itzhak Gelerenter," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised address. He said that all three of them were killed by the Palestinian militant group at the Nova music festival and their bodies taken into Gaza. "They were celebrating life in the Nova music festival and they were murdered by Hamas," he said. We are devastated to share that the @IDF recovered the bodies of three Israeli hostages who were kidnapped from the Nova Festival and held by Hamas in Gaza. Amit Bouskila (28) Shani Louk (23) Itzhak Gelerenter (53) There are no words. May their memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/N8xEvUPBC2 — Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 17, 2024 × Thousands of people had gathered to enjoy the electronic music fest at Re'im kibbutz close to the Gaza border when Hamas launched its assault against Israel on Oct 7 and held hundreds of them as hostages. The Palestinian militant group, as per Israeli officials, crossed over the border and claimed the lives of over 360 people at the festival. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: US delivers first aid to Gaza via temporary pier 'This terrible loss is heart-breaking,' says Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement and vowed to bring back all the hostages after the announcement. He also heaped praises on the military operation and his "brave" soldiers. "Heartbroken for the great loss. My wife Sara and I grieve with the families. The hearts of all of us are firm in the hour of the liver's death. We will return all our hostages, living and space alike. I congratulate our brave forces who, with determined action, returned boys and girls to their border," Netanyahu wrote in a posting on his official X account. הלב נשבר על האובדן הגדול. רעייתי שרה ואני דואבים עם המשפחות. לב כולנו איתן בשעת יגונן הכבד. נחזיר את כל חטופינו, החיים והחללים כאחד. אני מברך את כוחותינו האמיצים שבפעולה נחושה השיבו בנים ובנות לגבולם. — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) May 17, 2024 × Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7, which as per Israeli tallies claimed the lives of 1,200 people. The militant group abducted 252 people and held them as hostages, out of which 125 still remain in Gaza. The Hostages Families Forum released a statement saying that the recovery of the bodies was a "painful and stark reminder that we must swiftly bring back all our brothers and sisters from their cruel captivity". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli military says bodies of three hostages 'murdered' by Hamas recovered in Gaza

Swedish police have cordoned off an area in Stockholm after a patrol heard suspected gunshots, they said on Friday, with the Israeli embassy located in the closed-off area.

Police declined to comment on whether there was a link between the incident and the Israeli embassy, Swedish news agency TT reported.

"A police patrol at Strandvagen in Stockholm heard bangs and suspected there had been a shooting," police said on their website shortly after midnight, adding that the affected area lay between the capital's Djurgarden Bridge, its Nobel Park and the Oscar Church.

"In connection with the ongoing forensic investigation, findings have been made that strengthen the suspicions that a shooting took place," they said.

Police said an investigation into suspected serious weapons crime had been launched and that they held several people in connection with the incident.

A prosecutor's office spokesperson later in the day said none of them remained in custody.

The Israeli embassy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Swedish police have cordoned off an area in Stockholm after a patrol heard suspected gunshots, they said on Friday, with the Israeli embassy located in the closed-off area.

Swedish police have cordoned off an area in Stockholm after a patrol heard suspected gunshots, they said on Friday, with the Israeli embassy located in the closed-off area. Police declined to comment on whether there was a link between the incident and the Israeli embassy, Swedish news agency TT reported. "A police patrol at Strandvagen in Stockholm heard bangs and suspected there had been a shooting," police said on their website shortly after midnight, adding that the affected area lay between the capital's Djurgarden Bridge, its Nobel Park and the Oscar Church. "In connection with the ongoing forensic investigation, findings have been made that strengthen the suspicions that a shooting took place," they said. Police said an investigation into suspected serious weapons crime had been launched and that they held several people in connection with the incident. A prosecutor's office spokesperson later in the day said none of them remained in custody. The Israeli embassy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Suspected gunshots near Israeli embassy in Stockholm prompt police cordon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (May 15) put forward a new conscription law proposal that would gradually increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community.

The proposal comes just a day before the May 16 deadline set by the Israeli Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the court had given Netanyahu's coalition time to come up with a plan to resolve the conscription issue, which has caused significant public discontent.

<h2>Ultra-Orthodox Jews and exemptions</h2>

The exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a point of contention in Israel. The issue is further exacerbated by the country's costly mobilisation during the conflict in Gaza in which high casualties have been recorded among young soldiers and reservists.

Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military.

Netanyahu's coalition includes two ultra-Orthodox parties that have threatened to leave the government if military exemptions are removed.&nbsp;

Critics argue that the draft exemption stops many of them from participating in the workforce, while opposition lawmakers have denounced it as an unfair and an insulting policy to other Israelis.

<h2>Netanyahu's proposal</h2>

The new proposal aims to gradually increase national service recruitment among ultra-Orthodox Jews.&nbsp;

It builds on a previous bill introduced by former army chief Benny Gantz, who joined Netanyahu's government in a show of unity during the war. However, Gantz has criticised the bill as inadequate for Israel's current wartime needs, emphasising that the country requires more soldiers rather than political compromises.

Previously, in March, the centrist cabinet minister said, "The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset."

"The conscription law being drawn up by the government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to fight together against our enemies,"&nbsp;Gantz added.

Netanyahu's office stated that the prime minister aims to bridge societal and political divides and has urged all parties that previously supported the conscription law to do so again.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (May 15) put forward a new conscription law proposal that would gradually increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (May 15) put forward a new conscription law proposal that would gradually increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community. The proposal comes just a day before the May 16 deadline set by the Israeli Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the court had given Netanyahu's coalition time to come up with a plan to resolve the conscription issue, which has caused significant public discontent. Ultra-Orthodox Jews and exemptions The exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a point of contention in Israel. The issue is further exacerbated by the country's costly mobilisation during the conflict in Gaza in which high casualties have been recorded among young soldiers and reservists. Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military. Netanyahu's coalition includes two ultra-Orthodox parties that have threatened to leave the government if military exemptions are removed. Critics argue that the draft exemption stops many of them from participating in the workforce, while opposition lawmakers have denounced it as an unfair and an insulting policy to other Israelis. Netanyahu's proposal The new proposal aims to gradually increase national service recruitment among ultra-Orthodox Jews. It builds on a previous bill introduced by former army chief Benny Gantz, who joined Netanyahu's government in a show of unity during the war. However, Gantz has criticised the bill as inadequate for Israel's current wartime needs, emphasising that the country requires more soldiers rather than political compromises. Previously, in March, the centrist cabinet minister said, "The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset." "The conscription law being drawn up by the government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to fight together against our enemies," Gantz added. Netanyahu's office stated that the prime minister aims to bridge societal and political divides and has urged all parties that previously supported the conscription law to do so again. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu proposes gradually increasing ultra-Orthodox Jew drafting in army

In a baffling statement, United States Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) compared the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza to the US’ decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II and told Israel to “do whatever” to finish the military operation it has launched in the blockaded enclave.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Right decision’</h2>

In a recent interview, Graham appeared to justify Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza as well as the assault on Gaza's city of Rafah, which US President Joe Biden had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against.&nbsp;

The Republican senator also compared the ongoing war in Gaza to America’s war with Japan nearly eight decades ago while suggesting that Israel would be right to flatten the Gaza Strip, home to some 2.2 million Palestinians because the US did so too in 1945 when it dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israeli forces press Gaza offensive from North &amp; South

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-israeli-forces-press-gaza-offensive-from-north-south-721395/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“So when we were faced with destruction as a nation after Pearl Harbor, fighting the Germans and the Japanese, we decided to end the war by bombing Hiroshima, Nagasaki, with nuclear weapons,” said Graham, in an interview with NBC, on Sunday (May 12).&nbsp;

He also went on to call the decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki “the right decision” by the US. The decision in question killed hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Japanese civilians, due to the blasts and the radiation that followed.&nbsp;

“Give Israel the bombs they need to end the war they can’t afford to lose and work with them to minimise casualties,” the Republican senator added. The interviewer, Kristin Welker, attempted to stop him, but he talked over her.&nbsp;

“Why is it okay for America to drop two nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end their existential threat war. Why was it okay to do that? I thought it was okay?” said Graham.&nbsp;

He added, “To Israel, do whatever you have to do to survive as a Jewish state. Whatever you have to do.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-un-staff-member-killed-in-gaza-war-what-we-know-so-far-721141">Indian UN staff member killed in Gaza war: What we know so far</a>

Graham was also among the Republicans who criticised the Biden administration’s decision to hold back delivery of high payload munitions to Israel, earlier this month, ahead of an Israeli offensive in Rafah.&nbsp;

<h2>Hamas responds to remarks</h2>

Hamas released a statement calling the Republican senator’s remarks “shocking,” adding that it shows the “deep moral decline and the genocide and colonialism mentality that he harbors,” according to Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu Ajansı.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In a baffling statement, United States Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) compared the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza to the US’ decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II and told Israel to “do whatever” to finish the military operation it has launched in the blockaded enclave.

In a baffling statement, United States Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) compared the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza to the US’ decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II and told Israel to “do whatever” to finish the military operation it has launched in the blockaded enclave. ‘Right decision’ In a recent interview, Graham appeared to justify Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza as well as the assault on Gaza's city of Rafah, which US President Joe Biden had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against. The Republican senator also compared the ongoing war in Gaza to America’s war with Japan nearly eight decades ago while suggesting that Israel would be right to flatten the Gaza Strip, home to some 2.2 million Palestinians because the US did so too in 1945 when it dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. WATCH | Israeli forces press Gaza offensive from North & South “So when we were faced with destruction as a nation after Pearl Harbor, fighting the Germans and the Japanese, we decided to end the war by bombing Hiroshima, Nagasaki, with nuclear weapons,” said Graham, in an interview with NBC, on Sunday (May 12). He also went on to call the decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki “the right decision” by the US. The decision in question killed hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Japanese civilians, due to the blasts and the radiation that followed. “Give Israel the bombs they need to end the war they can’t afford to lose and work with them to minimise casualties,” the Republican senator added. The interviewer, Kristin Welker, attempted to stop him, but he talked over her. “Why is it okay for America to drop two nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end their existential threat war. Why was it okay to do that? I thought it was okay?” said Graham. He added, “To Israel, do whatever you have to do to survive as a Jewish state. Whatever you have to do.” Also Read | Indian UN staff member killed in Gaza war: What we know so far Graham was also among the Republicans who criticised the Biden administration’s decision to hold back delivery of high payload munitions to Israel, earlier this month, ahead of an Israeli offensive in Rafah. Hamas responds to remarks Hamas released a statement calling the Republican senator’s remarks “shocking,” adding that it shows the “deep moral decline and the genocide and colonialism mentality that he harbors,” according to Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu Ajansı. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senator Lindsey Graham suggests Israel should nuke Gaza

Weeks after attending a pro-Palestinian demonstration, Egyptian-American student Layla Sayed received a text message from a friend drawing her attention to a website dedicated to exposing people it says promote hatred of Jews and Israel.

"I think they found you from the protest," the friend wrote.

When Sayed visited the site, called Canary Mission, she found a photo from the Oct. 16 rally at the University of Pennsylvania with red arrows pointing to her among the demonstrators. The post included her name, the two cities she lives in, details about her studies and links to her social media accounts.

Canary Mission later posted a photo of her on its X and Instagram accounts labeled "Hamas War Crimes Apologist," a reference to the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 attack on Israel in which around 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

In response to that raid, Israel launched a military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

Comments about Sayed from social media users poured in.

"No future for that c.nt," one X user wrote. "Candidate for deportation to Gaza," wrote another.

Although Sayed has long supported Palestinian causes, she said it was the first time she had participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Penn, and Canary Mission did not flag any other activities.

"My initial reaction was just absolute shock," Sayed, a 20-year-old sophomore, told Reuters. "I wasn't there to say I supported Hamas. I wasn't there to say I hated Israel. I was there to say what's happening in Palestine is wrong."

She said she did not realize at the time that a chant Canary Mission took issue with, "When people are occupied, resistance is justified," is considered by some as an expression of support for Hamas' killings. She joined in the chants, she said, to show support for demonstrations.

Responding to an inquiry submitted via its website, Canary Mission said it has been "working around the clock" to combat a "wave of antisemitism" on college campuses since Oct. 7, including by exposing people who endorse Hamas.

Canary Mission did not respond to questions about Sayed's profile or the online abuse directed against its targets, according to the comments from the site provided by a spokesperson from a Tel Aviv-based public relations firm, Gova10.

While Canary Mission relies on tips, it said it verifies what it publishes, drawing from publicly available sources. Canary Mission’s profiles include links to its targets' social media posts, public speeches and interviews with journalists.

Penn officials did not respond to questions about Sayed's case.

"Penn is focused on the well-being of all members of the community," a university spokesperson, Steve Silverman, told Reuters, adding that staff reach out to offer support when aware of concerning situations.

Canary Mission is one of the oldest and most prominent of several digital advocacy groups that have intensified campaigns to expose Israel's critics since the war broke out, often leading to harassment such as Sayed experienced. The people behind the site have kept their identities, location and funding sources hidden.

Reuters reviewed online attacks and abusive messages directed at scores of people targeted by Canary Mission since Oct. 7.

The site has accused over 250 U.S. students and academics of supporting terrorism or spreading antisemitism and hatred of Israel since the start of the latest Gaza conflict, according to the Reuters review of its posts. Some are leading members of Palestinian rights groups or were arrested for offenses such as blocking traffic and punching a Jewish student. Others, like Sayed, said they had just stepped into campus activism and were not charged with any crimes.

Reuters spoke to 17 students and one research fellow from six U.S. universities featured on Canary Mission since Oct. 7. They include other students who chanted slogans during protests, leaders of groups that backed statements saying Israel bears sole responsibility for the violence and people who argued in social media posts that armed resistance by Palestinians is justified. All but one said they had received hate messages or seen vitriolic comments posted about them online.

Messages reviewed by Reuters called for their deportation or expulsion from school or suggested they should be raped or killed. 

Several pro-Palestinian groups that use similar tactics to call out Israel's defenders have emerged in recent months. They include an X account called StopZionistHate and Raven Mission, a website launched in December that emulates Canary Mission by spotlighting people it accuses of Islamophobia or helping perpetuate atrocities against Palestinians.

Raven Mission did not respond to requests for comment. StopZionistHate said it wanted to "ensure that the American public is aware of the threat posed by Zionist extremism."

ACCUSATIONS OF CYBERBULLYING

Some critics accuse sites on both sides of cyberbullying or doxxing, which they note can have a chilling effect on free expression.

Tensions have been mounting on U.S. college campuses, where Israel's war in Gaza has unleashed an outpouring of student activism. Some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been met with counter-protesters accusing them of fomenting anti-Jewish hatred and intimidating Jewish students on campus. Both camps have clashed with police.

The U.S. Department of Education has opened investigations into dozens of colleges since Oct. 7, noting an "alarming nationwide rise" in reports of antisemitic, anti-Muslim and other forms of discrimination and harassment. It declined to provide details about these investigations, including whether any concern Canary Mission, Raven Mission or StopZionistHate, or incidents these groups have highlighted. &nbsp;

Across the U.S., pro-Palestinian student groups are advising followers to wear masks at protests, to avoid drawing unwelcome attention.

Canary Mission and its defenders argue that those who promote hatred and bigotry should be held to account. On its site, Canary Mission provides academic and employer details for the people it profiles, calling on its tens of thousands of followers to ensure "today's radicals are not tomorrow's employees." 

Ten of the students interviewed by Reuters feared that appearing on the site could derail their careers. Canary Mission is often at the top of its targets' Google search results, and its social media posts can draw hundreds of comments.

For those targeted, there are few options to seek redress, lawyers and advocacy groups say. Much of what Canary Mission publishes is protected by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment on free speech, three lawyers told Reuters.

It generally isn't illegal to publish information about someone without consent when the information is accurate and was acquired lawfully from the public domain, said Eugene Volokh, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The legal standard for defamation is high, with the burden on claimants to prove the site made false statements about them, added Dylan Saba, an attorney at Palestine Legal, which represents pro-Palestinian activists. He could recall only a handful of cases where students succeeded in getting Canary Mission profiles changed or removed by threatening defamation suits.

The low profile of Canary Mission's principals poses an additional hurdle.

"If you're going to sue somebody, you have to know where you're serving them," Saba said.

Canary Mission says on its site that it will remove profiles of people who "recognize their earlier mistakes" and reject what it describes as "latent anti-Semitism" in groups that campaign for boycotts against Israel over its policies in the Palestinian territories. It publishes what it says are their apologies on an "ex-canary" page but does not identify the individuals.

Canary Mission told Reuters the site was established in 2015 to counter rising antisemitism on college campuses. It  did not answer questions about its leadership and funding.

LINKS TO ISRAELI NON-PROFIT&nbsp;

A 2016 tax filing by a prominent Jewish American philanthropic organization, the Helen Diller Family Foundation, revealed a financial link between Canary Mission and an Israeli non-profit called Megamot Shalom. That year, the Diller foundation gave $100,000 to the Central Fund of Israel earmarked "Canary Mission for Megamot Shalom," according to the document, which was first reported by the U.S. Jewish news outlet the Forward and reviewed by Reuters.

The Central Fund is a U.S.-based group that acts as a conduit for Americans to make tax-deductible donations to Israeli charities. Its president, Jay Marcus, told Reuters his organization only supports registered charities but would not confirm whether Megamot Shalom or Canary Mission were among them, citing the privacy of its donors and recipients.

Despite several attempts, Reuters could not reach a representative of the Diller foundation.&nbsp;

The organization that oversees the Diller foundation's giving, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund of San Francisco, referred Reuters to a 2018 statement confirming the donation was to support the work of Canary Mission and saying neither group would fund the site further. The statement said the federation had determined that the Central Fund did not comply with its giving guidelines but did not respond to requests to elaborate.

Canary Mission did not respond to questions about Megamot Shalom or its connection to the nonprofit.

Megamot Shalom was founded in 2016 "to preserve and ensure the national strength and image of the State of Israel" through media initiatives, according to documents obtained from Israel's corporations registry.

As of 2022, the most recent year for which records are available, it employed 11 people, including four content writers. The only donor identified in the registry documents is the Central Fund, from which it received 13.2 million shekels ($3.5 million) between 2019 and 2022, the records show.

Reuters was unable to reach Megamot Shalom's founder, Jonathan Bash, or any other listed employees. When Reuters visited the group's registered address in Beit Shemesh, a city 23 km (15 miles) southwest of Jerusalem, it found a locked one-story building with no sign of activity.

"A TARGET ON MY BACK"

Canary Mission has targeted at least 30 Penn students and academics since Oct. 7.

The university is one of several elite campuses that have been at the center of unrest over the Gaza war. Its former president, Liz Magill, resigned in December after coming under fire for her handling of accusations of antisemitism on campus.

On Friday, police dismantled an unsanctioned pro-Palestinian encampment on Penn's main lawn and arrested about 33 people following accusations of harassing and threatening behavior by protesters and the defacement of campus landmarks.

After finding her profile on Canary Mission, Sayed consulted the Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group. Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR's Philadelphia branch, said the group offered her help to remove information from the internet but advised that it would be hard to take legal action against a group that isn't registered in the U.S.&nbsp;

Despite the "blatant negative framing," Canary Mission's comments were presented as quotes or opinions, which typically cannot be the subject of a defamation claim, Tekelioglu told Reuters.

Fearful for her safety, Sayed said she removed the Palestinian keffiyeh scarf she had tied to her backpack, which she said felt like "a target on my back." She avoided walking alone on campus and put her LinkedIn profile in hibernation. 

Canary Mission also profiled seven Georgetown University School of Medicine students after they were featured in a Dec. 21 article by the conservative Washington Free Beacon news site headlined, "At Georgetown Med, the Doctors of Tomorrow Aren't Hiding Their Support for Terrorism."

One of them, Yusra Rafeeqi, 22, said the websites published a screenshot of a post she said she had shared privately with her Instagram followers showing a man atop an Israeli tank waving a Palestinian flag on the day Hamas militants broke through the border fence between Gaza and Israel. The image was captioned, "No more condemning Palestinian resistance. Radical change requires radical moves."

"Fire her immediately," an X user commented on a Canary Mission post that tagged her school and a clinic where she volunteers.

Rafeeqi told Reuters she reposted the image to support resistance to what she described as Israel's "violent occupational forces" and noted she did not comment on Hamas' killing of Israelis.

A Georgetown representative referred Reuters to a statement issued by Edward Healton, the medical school's executive dean, calling the leaking of students' private information and reports of retribution against those believed responsible "unacceptable." Healton said the school condemns antisemitism and Islamophobia, and encouraged students to report potential threats.

Rafeeqi said she has had "massive anxiety" about how this might affect her ability to pursue a career in medicine and continue advocating for Palestinians.

"I no longer feel safe in this country I once called home," said Rafeeqi, whose parents immigrated from Pakistan.

Canary Mission and the Washington Free Beacon did not respond to questions about Rafeeqi's case.

Weeks after attending a pro-Palestinian demonstration, Egyptian-American student Layla Sayed received a text message from a friend drawing her attention to a website dedicated to exposing people it says promote hatred of Jews and Israel.

Weeks after attending a pro-Palestinian demonstration, Egyptian-American student Layla Sayed received a text message from a friend drawing her attention to a website dedicated to exposing people it says promote hatred of Jews and Israel. "I think they found you from the protest," the friend wrote. When Sayed visited the site, called Canary Mission, she found a photo from the Oct. 16 rally at the University of Pennsylvania with red arrows pointing to her among the demonstrators. The post included her name, the two cities she lives in, details about her studies and links to her social media accounts. Canary Mission later posted a photo of her on its X and Instagram accounts labeled "Hamas War Crimes Apologist," a reference to the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 attack on Israel in which around 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. In response to that raid, Israel launched a military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. Comments about Sayed from social media users poured in. "No future for that c.nt," one X user wrote. "Candidate for deportation to Gaza," wrote another. Although Sayed has long supported Palestinian causes, she said it was the first time she had participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Penn, and Canary Mission did not flag any other activities. "My initial reaction was just absolute shock," Sayed, a 20-year-old sophomore, told Reuters. "I wasn't there to say I supported Hamas. I wasn't there to say I hated Israel. I was there to say what's happening in Palestine is wrong." She said she did not realize at the time that a chant Canary Mission took issue with, "When people are occupied, resistance is justified," is considered by some as an expression of support for Hamas' killings. She joined in the chants, she said, to show support for demonstrations. Responding to an inquiry submitted via its website, Canary Mission said it has been "working around the clock" to combat a "wave of antisemitism" on college campuses since Oct. 7, including by exposing people who endorse Hamas. Canary Mission did not respond to questions about Sayed's profile or the online abuse directed against its targets, according to the comments from the site provided by a spokesperson from a Tel Aviv-based public relations firm, Gova10. While Canary Mission relies on tips, it said it verifies what it publishes, drawing from publicly available sources. Canary Mission’s profiles include links to its targets' social media posts, public speeches and interviews with journalists. Penn officials did not respond to questions about Sayed's case. "Penn is focused on the well-being of all members of the community," a university spokesperson, Steve Silverman, told Reuters, adding that staff reach out to offer support when aware of concerning situations. Canary Mission is one of the oldest and most prominent of several digital advocacy groups that have intensified campaigns to expose Israel's critics since the war broke out, often leading to harassment such as Sayed experienced. The people behind the site have kept their identities, location and funding sources hidden. Reuters reviewed online attacks and abusive messages directed at scores of people targeted by Canary Mission since Oct. 7. The site has accused over 250 U.S. students and academics of supporting terrorism or spreading antisemitism and hatred of Israel since the start of the latest Gaza conflict, according to the Reuters review of its posts. Some are leading members of Palestinian rights groups or were arrested for offenses such as blocking traffic and punching a Jewish student. Others, like Sayed, said they had just stepped into campus activism and were not charged with any crimes. Reuters spoke to 17 students and one research fellow from six U.S. universities featured on Canary Mission since Oct. 7. They include other students who chanted slogans during protests, leaders of groups that backed statements saying Israel bears sole responsibility for the violence and people who argued in social media posts that armed resistance by Palestinians is justified. All but one said they had received hate messages or seen vitriolic comments posted about them online. Messages reviewed by Reuters called for their deportation or expulsion from school or suggested they should be raped or killed.  Several pro-Palestinian groups that use similar tactics to call out Israel's defenders have emerged in recent months. They include an X account called StopZionistHate and Raven Mission, a website launched in December that emulates Canary Mission by spotlighting people it accuses of Islamophobia or helping perpetuate atrocities against Palestinians. Raven Mission did not respond to requests for comment. StopZionistHate said it wanted to "ensure that the American public is aware of the threat posed by Zionist extremism." ACCUSATIONS OF CYBERBULLYING Some critics accuse sites on both sides of cyberbullying or doxxing, which they note can have a chilling effect on free expression. Tensions have been mounting on U.S. college campuses, where Israel's war in Gaza has unleashed an outpouring of student activism. Some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been met with counter-protesters accusing them of fomenting anti-Jewish hatred and intimidating Jewish students on campus. Both camps have clashed with police. The U.S. Department of Education has opened investigations into dozens of colleges since Oct. 7, noting an "alarming nationwide rise" in reports of antisemitic, anti-Muslim and other forms of discrimination and harassment. It declined to provide details about these investigations, including whether any concern Canary Mission, Raven Mission or StopZionistHate, or incidents these groups have highlighted. Across the U.S., pro-Palestinian student groups are advising followers to wear masks at protests, to avoid drawing unwelcome attention. Canary Mission and its defenders argue that those who promote hatred and bigotry should be held to account. On its site, Canary Mission provides academic and employer details for the people it profiles, calling on its tens of thousands of followers to ensure "today's radicals are not tomorrow's employees."  Ten of the students interviewed by Reuters feared that appearing on the site could derail their careers. Canary Mission is often at the top of its targets' Google search results, and its social media posts can draw hundreds of comments. For those targeted, there are few options to seek redress, lawyers and advocacy groups say. Much of what Canary Mission publishes is protected by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment on free speech, three lawyers told Reuters. It generally isn't illegal to publish information about someone without consent when the information is accurate and was acquired lawfully from the public domain, said Eugene Volokh, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. The legal standard for defamation is high, with the burden on claimants to prove the site made false statements about them, added Dylan Saba, an attorney at Palestine Legal, which represents pro-Palestinian activists. He could recall only a handful of cases where students succeeded in getting Canary Mission profiles changed or removed by threatening defamation suits. The low profile of Canary Mission's principals poses an additional hurdle. "If you're going to sue somebody, you have to know where you're serving them," Saba said. Canary Mission says on its site that it will remove profiles of people who "recognize their earlier mistakes" and reject what it describes as "latent anti-Semitism" in groups that campaign for boycotts against Israel over its policies in the Palestinian territories. It publishes what it says are their apologies on an "ex-canary" page but does not identify the individuals. Canary Mission told Reuters the site was established in 2015 to counter rising antisemitism on college campuses. It  did not answer questions about its leadership and funding. LINKS TO ISRAELI NON-PROFIT A 2016 tax filing by a prominent Jewish American philanthropic organization, the Helen Diller Family Foundation, revealed a financial link between Canary Mission and an Israeli non-profit called Megamot Shalom. That year, the Diller foundation gave $100,000 to the Central Fund of Israel earmarked "Canary Mission for Megamot Shalom," according to the document, which was first reported by the U.S. Jewish news outlet the Forward and reviewed by Reuters. The Central Fund is a U.S.-based group that acts as a conduit for Americans to make tax-deductible donations to Israeli charities. Its president, Jay Marcus, told Reuters his organization only supports registered charities but would not confirm whether Megamot Shalom or Canary Mission were among them, citing the privacy of its donors and recipients. Despite several attempts, Reuters could not reach a representative of the Diller foundation. The organization that oversees the Diller foundation's giving, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund of San Francisco, referred Reuters to a 2018 statement confirming the donation was to support the work of Canary Mission and saying neither group would fund the site further. The statement said the federation had determined that the Central Fund did not comply with its giving guidelines but did not respond to requests to elaborate. Canary Mission did not respond to questions about Megamot Shalom or its connection to the nonprofit. Megamot Shalom was founded in 2016 "to preserve and ensure the national strength and image of the State of Israel" through media initiatives, according to documents obtained from Israel's corporations registry. As of 2022, the most recent year for which records are available, it employed 11 people, including four content writers. The only donor identified in the registry documents is the Central Fund, from which it received 13.2 million shekels ($3.5 million) between 2019 and 2022, the records show. Reuters was unable to reach Megamot Shalom's founder, Jonathan Bash, or any other listed employees. When Reuters visited the group's registered address in Beit Shemesh, a city 23 km (15 miles) southwest of Jerusalem, it found a locked one-story building with no sign of activity. "A TARGET ON MY BACK" Canary Mission has targeted at least 30 Penn students and academics since Oct. 7. The university is one of several elite campuses that have been at the center of unrest over the Gaza war. Its former president, Liz Magill, resigned in December after coming under fire for her handling of accusations of antisemitism on campus. On Friday, police dismantled an unsanctioned pro-Palestinian encampment on Penn's main lawn and arrested about 33 people following accusations of harassing and threatening behavior by protesters and the defacement of campus landmarks. After finding her profile on Canary Mission, Sayed consulted the Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group. Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR's Philadelphia branch, said the group offered her help to remove information from the internet but advised that it would be hard to take legal action against a group that isn't registered in the U.S. Despite the "blatant negative framing," Canary Mission's comments were presented as quotes or opinions, which typically cannot be the subject of a defamation claim, Tekelioglu told Reuters. Fearful for her safety, Sayed said she removed the Palestinian keffiyeh scarf she had tied to her backpack, which she said felt like "a target on my back." She avoided walking alone on campus and put her LinkedIn profile in hibernation.  Canary Mission also profiled seven Georgetown University School of Medicine students after they were featured in a Dec. 21 article by the conservative Washington Free Beacon news site headlined, "At Georgetown Med, the Doctors of Tomorrow Aren't Hiding Their Support for Terrorism." One of them, Yusra Rafeeqi, 22, said the websites published a screenshot of a post she said she had shared privately with her Instagram followers showing a man atop an Israeli tank waving a Palestinian flag on the day Hamas militants broke through the border fence between Gaza and Israel. The image was captioned, "No more condemning Palestinian resistance. Radical change requires radical moves." "Fire her immediately," an X user commented on a Canary Mission post that tagged her school and a clinic where she volunteers. Rafeeqi told Reuters she reposted the image to support resistance to what she described as Israel's "violent occupational forces" and noted she did not comment on Hamas' killing of Israelis. A Georgetown representative referred Reuters to a statement issued by Edward Healton, the medical school's executive dean, calling the leaking of students' private information and reports of retribution against those believed responsible "unacceptable." Healton said the school condemns antisemitism and Islamophobia, and encouraged students to report potential threats. Rafeeqi said she has had "massive anxiety" about how this might affect her ability to pursue a career in medicine and continue advocating for Palestinians. "I no longer feel safe in this country I once called home," said Rafeeqi, whose parents immigrated from Pakistan. Canary Mission and the Washington Free Beacon did not respond to questions about Rafeeqi's case.

Name and shame: Pro-Israel website ramps up attacks on pro-Palestinian student protesters

The Israeli army said around 300,000 people have left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area, as of Saturday (May 11) while its latest order indicates that the military may launch a ground attack in the area. Meanwhile, Hebrew and Egyptian state media reports said that Egypt has halted deliveries of aid to Gaza and refuses to coordinate with Israel on the entry for assistance.

<h2>Egypt halts aid, refuses to coordinate with Israel: Reports</h2>

On Saturday, Egypt’s state-affiliated Alqahera News satellite TV citing a senior official said, Cairo has refused to coordinate with Israel on the entry of aid into Gaza from the Rafah crossing due to Israel’s “unacceptable escalation”.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel's ground invasion into Rafah sparks an exodus of 300,000 Palestinians

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-ground-invasion-into-rafah-sparks-an-exodus-of-300000-palestinians-720474/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Cairo held Israel responsible for the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip, the official said according to the media report. This comes after the Israeli forces, on Monday (May 7) seized the main border crossing at Rafah, a key route for aid to enter from Egypt.&nbsp;

Egypt has halted deliveries of aid to Gaza in protest of the Israeli army’s takeover of the Rafah crossing, reported Times of Israel citing Hebrew media reports. Similarly, a report by Reuters citing Red Crescent sources in Egypt said shipments had completely halted.&nbsp;

A report by the Times of Israel citing anonymous American officials said Israel did not coordinate with Egypt ahead of the operation on Rafah, adding that they are urging Egyptian officials to resume aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;United Nations agency OCHA says it’s struggling to provide Palestinians with aid because of Israeli restrictions.&nbsp;

<h2>Around 300,000 Gazans have evacuated east Rafah: Israeli military</h2>

The Israeli military, in a statement, on Saturday about 300,000 people had left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi since they first issued the evacuation order on Monday (May 7).&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-is-running-out-hamas-releases-video-showing-hostage-held-in-gaza-720407">‘Time is running out’: Hamas releases video showing hostage, claims he ‘died in Israeli strike’</a>

It added that the calls for “temporary evacuation” were being communicated to people through leaflets, mobile text messages, phone calls and broadcasts in Arabic.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel expands evacuation order</h2>

In a post on X, an Israeli military spokesperson asked residents and displaced people in the Jabalia, an area in northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to go immediately to places west of Gaza City.&nbsp;

The announcement suggests that the military is pressing ahead with its plans for a ground attack on Rafah, which many countries across the world have warned Israel not to do.&nbsp;

Overnight strikes across the enclave, including in Rafah, killed at least 37 people, out of which 24 were from central Gaza areas, according to the Palestinian health ministry.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-evacuation-orders-for-people-in-more-areas-of-gazas-rafah-720367">Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive</a>

In Rafah, residents told Reuters the new evacuation orders by the Israeli military cover areas in the centre of the city and leave little doubt that Israel has planned to expand its ground offensive there.

<h2>Death toll nears 35,000-mark</h2>

The Hamas-run health ministry, on Saturday, said that at least 34,971 people have been killed in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;

It added that around 78,641 people have been wounded in Gaza since the war broke out after the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The Israeli army said around 300,000 people have left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area, as of Saturday (May 11) while its latest order indicates that the military may launch a ground attack in the area.

The Israeli army said around 300,000 people have left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area, as of Saturday (May 11) while its latest order indicates that the military may launch a ground attack in the area. Meanwhile, Hebrew and Egyptian state media reports said that Egypt has halted deliveries of aid to Gaza and refuses to coordinate with Israel on the entry for assistance. Egypt halts aid, refuses to coordinate with Israel: Reports On Saturday, Egypt’s state-affiliated Alqahera News satellite TV citing a senior official said, Cairo has refused to coordinate with Israel on the entry of aid into Gaza from the Rafah crossing due to Israel’s “unacceptable escalation”. WATCH | Israel's ground invasion into Rafah sparks an exodus of 300,000 Palestinians Cairo held Israel responsible for the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip, the official said according to the media report. This comes after the Israeli forces, on Monday (May 7) seized the main border crossing at Rafah, a key route for aid to enter from Egypt. Egypt has halted deliveries of aid to Gaza in protest of the Israeli army’s takeover of the Rafah crossing, reported Times of Israel citing Hebrew media reports. Similarly, a report by Reuters citing Red Crescent sources in Egypt said shipments had completely halted. A report by the Times of Israel citing anonymous American officials said Israel did not coordinate with Egypt ahead of the operation on Rafah, adding that they are urging Egyptian officials to resume aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom. Meanwhile, United Nations agency OCHA says it’s struggling to provide Palestinians with aid because of Israeli restrictions. Around 300,000 Gazans have evacuated east Rafah: Israeli military The Israeli military, in a statement, on Saturday about 300,000 people had left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi since they first issued the evacuation order on Monday (May 7). Also Read | ‘Time is running out’: Hamas releases video showing hostage, claims he ‘died in Israeli strike’ It added that the calls for “temporary evacuation” were being communicated to people through leaflets, mobile text messages, phone calls and broadcasts in Arabic. Israel expands evacuation order In a post on X, an Israeli military spokesperson asked residents and displaced people in the Jabalia, an area in northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to go immediately to places west of Gaza City. The announcement suggests that the military is pressing ahead with its plans for a ground attack on Rafah, which many countries across the world have warned Israel not to do. Overnight strikes across the enclave, including in Rafah, killed at least 37 people, out of which 24 were from central Gaza areas, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Also Read | Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive In Rafah, residents told Reuters the new evacuation orders by the Israeli military cover areas in the centre of the city and leave little doubt that Israel has planned to expand its ground offensive there. Death toll nears 35,000-mark The Hamas-run health ministry, on Saturday, said that at least 34,971 people have been killed in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. It added that around 78,641 people have been wounded in Gaza since the war broke out after the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Egypt refuses to coordinate with Israel on Gaza aid over ‘unacceptable escalation’: Reports

Hamas on Friday (May 10) released footage of what it claimed was an attack targeting the Israeli soldiers in a neighbourhood in Gaza City and bombing in Beersheba city.

As per news agency Reuters, the videos shared on the Palestinian militant group's official Telegram channel were captioned to show an attack aimed at a group of Israeli snipers south of the Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood in Gaza City and the bombing of the "occupied city" of Beersheba.

WION was unable to independently verify the footage released or the location, and when they were filmed.

<h2>Hamas says truce talks back to 'square one'</h2>

Meanwhile, the group on Friday (May 10) &nbsp;stated that the talks to broker a ceasefire deal and hostage release were back to "square one" after Israel rejected a truce plan submitted by mediators.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-use-of-us-supplied-weapons-may-have-violated-international-law-says-washington-720237">Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law'</a>

The Palestinian-based militant group released a statement saying, "The rejection of the mediators' proposal by Israel... has returned matters to square one."&nbsp;

It further stated that it would confer with other Palestinian factions on its plan for talks to put an end to the war which was triggered by its deadly assault against Israel.

WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: Four Israeli soldiers killed in North Gaza, tanks advances into Rafah

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Hamas alleged it had agreed to the plan, which included the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced civilians, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;

This comes a day after the negotiating teams of both sides, Israel as well as Hamas, left Cairo talks on the terms of a truce without a deal.&nbsp;

The militant group was pressing for a "permanent ceasefire", however, Israel has long opposed the move stating that it will first dismantle Hamas.

Hamas senior official Khalil Al-Hayya on Friday said that the militant group wants calmness and a prisoners swap deal, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants the war to continue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas on Friday (May 10) released footage of what it claimed was an attack targeting the Israeli soldiers in a neighbourhood in Gaza City and bombing in Beersheba city.

Hamas on Friday (May 10) released footage of what it claimed was an attack targeting the Israeli soldiers in a neighbourhood in Gaza City and bombing in Beersheba city. As per news agency Reuters, the videos shared on the Palestinian militant group's official Telegram channel were captioned to show an attack aimed at a group of Israeli snipers south of the Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood in Gaza City and the bombing of the "occupied city" of Beersheba. WION was unable to independently verify the footage released or the location, and when they were filmed. Hamas says truce talks back to 'square one' Meanwhile, the group on Friday (May 10) stated that the talks to broker a ceasefire deal and hostage release were back to "square one" after Israel rejected a truce plan submitted by mediators. Also read: Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law' The Palestinian-based militant group released a statement saying, "The rejection of the mediators' proposal by Israel... has returned matters to square one." It further stated that it would confer with other Palestinian factions on its plan for talks to put an end to the war which was triggered by its deadly assault against Israel. WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: Four Israeli soldiers killed in North Gaza, tanks advances into Rafah × Hamas alleged it had agreed to the plan, which included the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced civilians, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This comes a day after the negotiating teams of both sides, Israel as well as Hamas, left Cairo talks on the terms of a truce without a deal. The militant group was pressing for a "permanent ceasefire", however, Israel has long opposed the move stating that it will first dismantle Hamas. Hamas senior official Khalil Al-Hayya on Friday said that the militant group wants calmness and a prisoners swap deal, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants the war to continue. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas releases footage said to show attack on Israeli snippers

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city.

Taking to social media platform X, a military spokesperson urged the residents and the displaced living in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to immediately head to the shelters west of Gaza City. 
 
As per reports, the IDF&nbsp;published a map marking some&nbsp;sectors of the city as “dangerous combat zone” and warned civilians,&nbsp;“Everyone in these areas is risking their lives and the lives of their family members. For your safety — we ask you to evacuate immediately to the humanitarian zone.”

As per the Palestinian news agency WAFA, 24 Palestinians lost their lives after Israeli jets hit several areas in central Gaza.

Despite several humanitarian groups raising alarm bells, and pressure from the United States, Israel has stated that it will progress with its offensive in Rafah, where over one million displaced people have sought refuge during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

According to the Israeli military, nearly 300,000 Gazans have moved towards Al-Mawasi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-use-of-us-supplied-weapons-may-have-violated-international-law-says-washington-720237">Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law'</a>

<h2>Hezbollah fires salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona</h2>

Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Friday (May 10) fired a salvo of rockets from Lebanon targetting the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. In response, the Israeli military launched a series of retaliatory attacks on the militant group's locations.

The army said that nearly 15 missiles were shot down by the Iron Dome, while the rest hit the city and caused extensive damage to property.

As per The Times Of Israel, the footage released from inside the city showed damaged buildings and vehicles that were burned out.

Reportedly, the rockets also prompted massive fires in the hills along Route 90 and 10 firefighting teams were deployed at the scene, said the Israel Fire and Rescue Services.

The Iran-backed militant group released a statement saying that it fired a barrage of "Katyusha rockets” at Israel’s north “in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on… civilians, most recently in Tayr Harfa.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city.

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city. Taking to social media platform X, a military spokesperson urged the residents and the displaced living in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to immediately head to the shelters west of Gaza City. As per reports, the IDF published a map marking some sectors of the city as “dangerous combat zone” and warned civilians, “Everyone in these areas is risking their lives and the lives of their family members. For your safety — we ask you to evacuate immediately to the humanitarian zone.” As per the Palestinian news agency WAFA, 24 Palestinians lost their lives after Israeli jets hit several areas in central Gaza. Despite several humanitarian groups raising alarm bells, and pressure from the United States, Israel has stated that it will progress with its offensive in Rafah, where over one million displaced people have sought refuge during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. According to the Israeli military, nearly 300,000 Gazans have moved towards Al-Mawasi. Also read: Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law' Hezbollah fires salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Friday (May 10) fired a salvo of rockets from Lebanon targetting the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. In response, the Israeli military launched a series of retaliatory attacks on the militant group's locations. The army said that nearly 15 missiles were shot down by the Iron Dome, while the rest hit the city and caused extensive damage to property. As per The Times Of Israel, the footage released from inside the city showed damaged buildings and vehicles that were burned out. Reportedly, the rockets also prompted massive fires in the hills along Route 90 and 10 firefighting teams were deployed at the scene, said the Israel Fire and Rescue Services. The Iran-backed militant group released a statement saying that it fired a barrage of "Katyusha rockets” at Israel’s north “in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on… civilians, most recently in Tayr Harfa.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive

The police in the German capital city Berlin, on Tuesday (May 7) broke up a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian activists at Berlin’s Free University. This comes as the pro-Palestinian protests which began and are continuing on campuses across the United States are now spreading to universities in Europe.&nbsp;

Countries like&nbsp;Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom have also&nbsp; witnessed pro-Palestinian&nbsp;protests&nbsp;on universities&nbsp;campuses.&nbsp;Protesters have called on officials to cut academic ties with Israel over its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

<h2>Protests at German universities&nbsp;</h2>

Berlin Police, on Tuesday, broke a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had set up an encampment, earlier in the day, in the courtyard of Berlin’s Free University and formed a human chain around it.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protesters-storm-streets-near-the-met-gala-nabbed-by-nypd-youre-enjoying-met-gala-718746">Pro-Palestinian protesters barred from reaching Met Gala; burn American flag, vandalise WWI memorial</a>

The law enforcement officials were seen carrying protesters amid scuffles and even used pepper spray against some of them.&nbsp;Officials at Free University said protesters attempted to enter rooms and lecture halls to occupy them and rejected any kind of dialogue which prompted them to call the police.

German news agency, dpa, reported about 50 pro-Palestinian protesters set up tents on campus of the Leipzig University and occupied a lecture hall, on Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;

<h2>University of&nbsp;Amsterdam</h2>

A massive protest erupted in the Dutch capital on Tuesday as a crowd of several hundred people marched and blocked downtown streets chanting “Free, Free Palestine!”

This was after the Dutch riot police used a bulldozer to knock down barricades at an encampment on Tuesday morning at Amsterdam University and detained around 140 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Students and staff describe the use of pepper spray, police batons, police dogs and bulldozers to forcefully remove them. People were injured because of this excessive violence,” said a group called Dutch Scholars for Palestine, in a statement.&nbsp;

The University of Amsterdam said that they called the police after what began as a peaceful student protest turned violent, with beatings, the throwing of fireworks and the burning of an Israeli flag.

All but four protesters, who were charged with public violence and insulting an officer were still in detention, while others were released.&nbsp;

The police noted that the action was taken after requests from the university and the mayor were ignored. One officer had suffered hearing damage, but it is unclear how many other people may have been injured, said the police.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the police in the French capital twice intervened to&nbsp;disperse about 20 students who had barricaded themselves in the university's main hall. According to prosecutors, two people were arrested.&nbsp;

<h2>University of Lausanne</h2>

In&nbsp;Switzerland, protests which began at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), spread to&nbsp;three universities across the country, reported AFP. Hundreds of students occupied a&nbsp;hall Thursday evening and demanded&nbsp;an end to partnerships with Israeli universities.

However, the university said&nbsp;it "considers that there is no reason to cease these relations".&nbsp;

<h2>University of Chicago&nbsp;</h2>

The police, on early Tuesday, cleared out a pro-Palestinian encampment set up at the University of Chicago as hundreds of protesters had gathered in an area known as the Quad for over a week.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-pillories-canada-for-glorifying-violence-after-khalistani-imageries-displayed-at-nagar-kirtan-parade-719080">India pillories Canada for 'glorifying violence' after Khalistani imageries displayed at nagar kirtan parade</a>

“The protesters were given an opportunity to disassemble their structures and depart the encampment, and there have been no arrests,” school President Paul Alivisatos, adding that “appropriate, disciplinary action will proceed.”

Ahead of the police action on Tuesday morning, the number of protesters on campus had increased to more than 200.&nbsp;

<h2>MIT&nbsp;</h2>

The protesters at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) were given a Monday afternoon deadline to voluntarily leave or face suspension.&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press citing an MIT spokesperson at the institute said many had left, but as of Monday night dozens of protesters remained at the encampment in a calmer atmosphere.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The police in the German capital city Berlin, on Tuesday (May 7) broke up a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian activists at Berlin’s Free University. This comes as the pro-Palestinian protests which began and are continuing on campuses across the United States are now spreading to universities in Europe.

The police in the German capital city Berlin, on Tuesday (May 7) broke up a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian activists at Berlin’s Free University. This comes as the pro-Palestinian protests which began and are continuing on campuses across the United States are now spreading to universities in Europe. Countries like Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom have also witnessed pro-Palestinian protests on universities campuses. Protesters have called on officials to cut academic ties with Israel over its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Protests at German universities Berlin Police, on Tuesday, broke a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had set up an encampment, earlier in the day, in the courtyard of Berlin’s Free University and formed a human chain around it. Also Read | Pro-Palestinian protesters barred from reaching Met Gala; burn American flag, vandalise WWI memorial The law enforcement officials were seen carrying protesters amid scuffles and even used pepper spray against some of them. Officials at Free University said protesters attempted to enter rooms and lecture halls to occupy them and rejected any kind of dialogue which prompted them to call the police. German news agency, dpa, reported about 50 pro-Palestinian protesters set up tents on campus of the Leipzig University and occupied a lecture hall, on Tuesday afternoon. University of Amsterdam A massive protest erupted in the Dutch capital on Tuesday as a crowd of several hundred people marched and blocked downtown streets chanting “Free, Free Palestine!” This was after the Dutch riot police used a bulldozer to knock down barricades at an encampment on Tuesday morning at Amsterdam University and detained around 140 people. “Students and staff describe the use of pepper spray, police batons, police dogs and bulldozers to forcefully remove them. People were injured because of this excessive violence,” said a group called Dutch Scholars for Palestine, in a statement. The University of Amsterdam said that they called the police after what began as a peaceful student protest turned violent, with beatings, the throwing of fireworks and the burning of an Israeli flag. All but four protesters, who were charged with public violence and insulting an officer were still in detention, while others were released. The police noted that the action was taken after requests from the university and the mayor were ignored. One officer had suffered hearing damage, but it is unclear how many other people may have been injured, said the police. On Tuesday, the police in the French capital twice intervened to disperse about 20 students who had barricaded themselves in the university's main hall. According to prosecutors, two people were arrested. University of Lausanne In Switzerland, protests which began at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), spread to three universities across the country, reported AFP. Hundreds of students occupied a hall Thursday evening and demanded an end to partnerships with Israeli universities. However, the university said it "considers that there is no reason to cease these relations". University of Chicago The police, on early Tuesday, cleared out a pro-Palestinian encampment set up at the University of Chicago as hundreds of protesters had gathered in an area known as the Quad for over a week. Also Read | India pillories Canada for 'glorifying violence' after Khalistani imageries displayed at nagar kirtan parade “The protesters were given an opportunity to disassemble their structures and depart the encampment, and there have been no arrests,” school President Paul Alivisatos, adding that “appropriate, disciplinary action will proceed.” Ahead of the police action on Tuesday morning, the number of protesters on campus had increased to more than 200. MIT The protesters at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) were given a Monday afternoon deadline to voluntarily leave or face suspension. A report by the Associated Press citing an MIT spokesperson at the institute said many had left, but as of Monday night dozens of protesters remained at the encampment in a calmer atmosphere. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestinian student protests spark clashes, arrests as campus demonstrations spread across Europe

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (May 7) cautioned of a "ferocious surge" in antisemitism during his Holocaust memorial speech amid a sharp rise in the number of Gaza protests in US universities.

"Never again simply translated for me means: Never forget. Never forgetting means we must keep telling the story, we must keep teaching the truth," Biden said as he addressed a bipartisan memorial held at the US Capitol's Emancipation Hall. "The truth is we're at risk of people not knowing the truth."

Biden, who has backed its staunch ally in the war against Hamas, said that Oct 7 was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

"This hatred (of Jews) continues to lie deep in the hearts of too many people in the world and requires our continued vigilance and outspokenness," Biden said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-take-control-of-gaza-side-of-rafah-crossing-aid-flow-impacted-719023">Humanitarian aid flow stopped as Israel takes control of Gaza side of Rafah</a>

<h2>'Hamas unleashed terror'</h2>

He then highlighted that the people must not forget that it was Hamas who first launched an attack against Israel on Oct 7 and "unleashed this terror".

"Now here we are, not 75 years later, but just seven and a half months later, and people are already forgetting ... that Hamas unleashed this terror," he said. "I have not forgotten, nor have you. And we will not forget."

He then laid stress on an alarming rise in antisemitism in the United States, including campuses that are roiled by demonstrations against the ongoing war in Gaza.

"We've seen a ferocious surge of anti-Semitism in America and around the world," Biden said.

The Jewish students enrolled in US universities have reported an increase in antisemitism since the Palestinian militant group Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel.

"There's no place on any campus in America -- any place in America -- for anti-Semitism or hate speech or threats of violence of any kind," Biden said.

Earlier, Israel's president also condemned the protests stating that US campuses were "contaminated" by hatred.

Biden's speech also comes against Israel's seizure of a key border crossing in Rafah in southern Gaza despite several warnings from the United States and amid the ongoing talks to broker a deal for the release of hostages held captive by Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (May 7) cautioned of a "ferocious surge" in antisemitism during his Holocaust memorial speech amid a sharp rise in the number of Gaza protests in US universities.

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (May 7) cautioned of a "ferocious surge" in antisemitism during his Holocaust memorial speech amid a sharp rise in the number of Gaza protests in US universities. "Never again simply translated for me means: Never forget. Never forgetting means we must keep telling the story, we must keep teaching the truth," Biden said as he addressed a bipartisan memorial held at the US Capitol's Emancipation Hall. "The truth is we're at risk of people not knowing the truth." Biden, who has backed its staunch ally in the war against Hamas, said that Oct 7 was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. "This hatred (of Jews) continues to lie deep in the hearts of too many people in the world and requires our continued vigilance and outspokenness," Biden said. Also read: Humanitarian aid flow stopped as Israel takes control of Gaza side of Rafah 'Hamas unleashed terror' He then highlighted that the people must not forget that it was Hamas who first launched an attack against Israel on Oct 7 and "unleashed this terror". "Now here we are, not 75 years later, but just seven and a half months later, and people are already forgetting ... that Hamas unleashed this terror," he said. "I have not forgotten, nor have you. And we will not forget." He then laid stress on an alarming rise in antisemitism in the United States, including campuses that are roiled by demonstrations against the ongoing war in Gaza. "We've seen a ferocious surge of anti-Semitism in America and around the world," Biden said. The Jewish students enrolled in US universities have reported an increase in antisemitism since the Palestinian militant group Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel. "There's no place on any campus in America -- any place in America -- for anti-Semitism or hate speech or threats of violence of any kind," Biden said. Earlier, Israel's president also condemned the protests stating that US campuses were "contaminated" by hatred. Biden's speech also comes against Israel's seizure of a key border crossing in Rafah in southern Gaza despite several warnings from the United States and amid the ongoing talks to broker a deal for the release of hostages held captive by Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Biden condemns ‘ferocious surge’ in antisemitism amid US campus Gaza protests

Iran on Friday (May 3) released all the crew members that were aboard the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries. Out of the 25 crew members, 17 were Indians.&nbsp;

The development came following a telephonic conversations between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna on Friday.

The two sides discussed the recent state of bilateral ties and regional developments, said the Iranian foreign ministry.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards had seized the ship on April 13 in the Strait of Hormuz.

As per the Iranian state-run IRNA news agency, a Guards helicopter had boarded and taken into Iranian waters the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries.

Shipping security agencies had earlier reported a vessel being boarded and seized by "regional authorities" in the Hormuz Strait between the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-accused-of-conducting-raid-on-ship-near-strait-of-hormuz-official-states-710852">Iran seizes Israel-linked ship MCS ARIES near Strait of Hormuz</a>

Earlier, Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur in south Indian state of&nbsp;Kerala, who was aboard the Israel-linked cargo ship, had been released and reached back home safely on April 18.

Recently, India's Ministry of External Affairs released a statement sharing an update about Joseph's return which further added that other Indian crew members were safe and that they will be released once their contractual obligations are completed.

"One girl who was there has returned. We had asked for consular access for these 16 people and we received that and our officers met them. Their health is good and there is no problem of any kind on the ship. Concerning their return, there are some technicalities and contractual obligations. Once they are done, it will decide their return," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in a weekly press briefing on April 25.

Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, had also said that the Indian crew members were not detained and that they were free to go.

Responding to the request of the Estonian side regarding the Portuguese ship, Amirabdollahian said, "The ship, which turned off its radar in the territorial waters of Iran and endangered the security of navigation, is detained under judicial rules."

Earlier today, during the telephone discussion between Iranian and Estonian officials, Iran stated that it "has already released all the ship's crew members on humanitarian grounds, and if the ship's captain accompanies them, the crew including the Estonians can return to their country."

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran on Friday (May 3) released all the crew members that were aboard the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries. Out of the 25 crew members, 17 were Indians. The development came following a telephonic conversations between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna on Friday.

Iran on Friday (May 3) released all the crew members that were aboard the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries. Out of the 25 crew members, 17 were Indians. The development came following a telephonic conversations between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna on Friday. The two sides discussed the recent state of bilateral ties and regional developments, said the Iranian foreign ministry. Iran's Revolutionary Guards had seized the ship on April 13 in the Strait of Hormuz. As per the Iranian state-run IRNA news agency, a Guards helicopter had boarded and taken into Iranian waters the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries. Shipping security agencies had earlier reported a vessel being boarded and seized by "regional authorities" in the Hormuz Strait between the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Also read: Iran seizes Israel-linked ship MCS ARIES near Strait of Hormuz Earlier, Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur in south Indian state of Kerala, who was aboard the Israel-linked cargo ship, had been released and reached back home safely on April 18. Recently, India's Ministry of External Affairs released a statement sharing an update about Joseph's return which further added that other Indian crew members were safe and that they will be released once their contractual obligations are completed. "One girl who was there has returned. We had asked for consular access for these 16 people and we received that and our officers met them. Their health is good and there is no problem of any kind on the ship. Concerning their return, there are some technicalities and contractual obligations. Once they are done, it will decide their return," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in a weekly press briefing on April 25. Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, had also said that the Indian crew members were not detained and that they were free to go. Responding to the request of the Estonian side regarding the Portuguese ship, Amirabdollahian said, "The ship, which turned off its radar in the territorial waters of Iran and endangered the security of navigation, is detained under judicial rules." Earlier today, during the telephone discussion between Iranian and Estonian officials, Iran stated that it "has already released all the ship's crew members on humanitarian grounds, and if the ship's captain accompanies them, the crew including the Estonians can return to their country." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran releases all crew members aboard seized cargo ship MSC Aries including Indians on 'humanitarian grounds'

The Israeli military on Sunday (May 5) shut the Kerem Shalom border crossing for humanitarian aid trucks, which is one of the most important routes into southern Gaza after rockets were fired towards the gateway.

The Israeli army said that 10 missiles were launched from Rafah in southern Gaza towards the crossing.

The army however said that only the Kerem Shalom was shut and the rest remained open.

"Approximately 10 projectile launches were identified crossing from the area adjacent to the Rafah Crossing toward the area of Kerem Shalom," the army said in a statement, adding that the "Kerem Shalom Crossing is currently closed to the passage of humanitarian aid trucks".

Later, Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack which as per Israeli and Palestinian local media reports resulted in Israeli casualties.

The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group said that it launched an air offensive targeting the Israeli army base by the crossing.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahus-cabinet-unanimously-votes-to-shut-down-al-jazeera-offices-in-israel-718195">Israel cabinet votes to shut down Al Jazeera offices in country; Hamas reacts</a>

However, the group did not share details about where it fired the rockets from.

As per the news agency Reuters, Hamas media quoted a source close to the Palestinian Islamist group saying the commercial crossing was not the target.&nbsp;

<h2>'Ending Gaza war now would keep Hamas in power,' says Netanyahu&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (May 5) hardening his stance on the demands put forward by Hamas proposing an end to the war in Gaza in exchange for hostages, said that this would keep the Palestinian militant group in power.

However, he said that Israel was ready to halt the fighting in order to secure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas, which according to media reports are still numbered over 130.

"But while Israel has shown willingness, Hamas remains entrenched in its extreme positions, first among them the demand to remove all our forces from the Gaza Strip, end the war, and leave Hamas in power," Netanyahu said.

"Israel cannot accept that."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli military on Sunday (May 5) shut the Kerem Shalom border crossing for humanitarian aid trucks, which is one of the most important routes into southern Gaza after rockets were fired towards the gateway.

The Israeli military on Sunday (May 5) shut the Kerem Shalom border crossing for humanitarian aid trucks, which is one of the most important routes into southern Gaza after rockets were fired towards the gateway. The Israeli army said that 10 missiles were launched from Rafah in southern Gaza towards the crossing. The army however said that only the Kerem Shalom was shut and the rest remained open. "Approximately 10 projectile launches were identified crossing from the area adjacent to the Rafah Crossing toward the area of Kerem Shalom," the army said in a statement, adding that the "Kerem Shalom Crossing is currently closed to the passage of humanitarian aid trucks". Later, Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack which as per Israeli and Palestinian local media reports resulted in Israeli casualties. The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group said that it launched an air offensive targeting the Israeli army base by the crossing. Also read: Israel cabinet votes to shut down Al Jazeera offices in country; Hamas reacts However, the group did not share details about where it fired the rockets from. As per the news agency Reuters, Hamas media quoted a source close to the Palestinian Islamist group saying the commercial crossing was not the target. 'Ending Gaza war now would keep Hamas in power,' says Netanyahu Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (May 5) hardening his stance on the demands put forward by Hamas proposing an end to the war in Gaza in exchange for hostages, said that this would keep the Palestinian militant group in power. However, he said that Israel was ready to halt the fighting in order to secure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas, which according to media reports are still numbered over 130. "But while Israel has shown willingness, Hamas remains entrenched in its extreme positions, first among them the demand to remove all our forces from the Gaza Strip, end the war, and leave Hamas in power," Netanyahu said. "Israel cannot accept that." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel shuts key border crossing for aid trucks as Hamas fires rockets

Israel-Hamas war: More than 2,000 people, including students, have been arrested on campuses across the United States, as of Friday (May 3) in pro-Palestinian protests over the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

These demonstrations are no longer limited to the US with people and students across the world taking to university campuses, setting up encampments and showing up in large numbers to protest the war in Gaza.&nbsp;

Indians travelling to Iran, Israel asked to&nbsp;'remain vigilant'

Indians travelling to Iran and Israel&nbsp;should "remain vigilant and be in touch with Indian embassies," said&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson&nbsp;Randhir Jaiswal, on Friday.&nbsp;

"We continue to closely monitor the situation in the region. We have also noted that Iran and Israel have opened their airspace for several days now. We advise Indian nationals to remain vigilant while traveling to these countries and be in touch with the Indian Embassy," said the MEA spokesperson while responding to a question by the media.&nbsp;

This comes after the&nbsp;MEA, on April 12, asked&nbsp;Indian citizens not to travel to Israel and Iran "till further notice".&nbsp;

<h2>US 'temporarily paused' work on&nbsp;Gaza pier</h2>

The United States&nbsp;Central Command (CENTCOM) said soldiers “temporarily paused” the work on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/temporary-gaza-pier-to-boost-aid-deliveries-will-cost-us-at-least-320mn-716396">temporary pier</a> to boost aid deliveries to Gaza amid&nbsp;unsafe sea conditions,&nbsp;on Thursday.&nbsp;

"The partially built pier and military vessels involved in its construction have moved to the Port of Ashdod, where assembly will continue, and will be completed prior to the emplacement of the pier in its intended location when sea states subside," said the CENTCOM in a statement, on Friday.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;pier will allow "the delivery of large quantities of humanitarian aid from ship to shore by truck, with vehicles driving directly off ships and across the temporary pier to a marshaling yard ashore," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel to give Hamas a week for ceasefire deal</h2>

Israel has given Hamas one week to agree to the latest deal&nbsp;or warned that it will launch its&nbsp;offensive in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

The deal brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar would see the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in fighting.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protests-ucla-faculty-joins-ongoing-protests-on-campus-717530">Over 2,100 arrests made in pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses</a>

The report does not mention when the ultimatum was given but cites&nbsp;Egyptian officials speaking, on Friday, suggesting that Hamas will have until next week to answer.&nbsp;

The report comes after&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (Apr 30) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734">said</a> Israel will carry out an operation in&nbsp;Rafah regardless of whether a ceasefire and hostage release deal is reached.

<h2>'Far too many' journalists killed in Gaza: Biden</h2>

United States President Joe Biden in a statement for&nbsp;World Press Freedom Day, said "far too many"&nbsp;journalists have been killed amid the ongoing war in Gaza.&nbsp;

"On World Press Freedom Day, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of journalists and media workers around the world risking everything in pursuit of truth," said Biden.&nbsp;

He added, "This is especially resonant today; 2023 was one of the deadliest years for journalists in recent memory. One reason for that is the war in Gaza, where far too many journalists, the vast majority of them Palestinian, have been killed."

<h2>Turkey halts trade with Israel&nbsp;</h2>

Turkey, on Friday, said that it will not resume the more than $7 billion&nbsp;trade with Israel until&nbsp;a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid are secured in Gaza.&nbsp;

Israel's "uncompromising attitude" and the worsening situation in&nbsp;Rafah - which Israel has threatened to invade - has prompted Ankara to&nbsp;halt all exports and imports, said Turkey's&nbsp;Trade Minister Omer Bolat.

"We decided to stop exports and imports to and from Israel until a permanent ceasefire is achieved (in Gaza) and humanitarian aid is allowed without interruption," said&nbsp;Bolat.&nbsp;

<h2>Campus protests across the world</h2>

United States

More than 2,000 people have been arrested from dozens of US college campuses in recent weeks, amid the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests, according to a tally by the Associated Press.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Paris: Police raid University students&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/paris-police-raid-university-students-kenya-floods-death-toll-crosses-200-717744/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The police arrested more than 300 protesters on college campuses on Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Around 210 were arrested from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).&nbsp;

The&nbsp;police, on Thursday (May 2) crackdown on defiant pro-Palestinian protesters at several colleges with UCLA witnessing particularly<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-move-in-to-dismantle-ucla-gaza-protest-barricades-717374"> jarring scenes.</a>&nbsp;

France&nbsp;

On Friday, the police in Paris entered France’s prestigious Sciences Po university to remove pro-Palestinian protesters who had occupied the college’s buildings.&nbsp;

A Reuters witness saw police enter the buildings and bring out many of the 70-odd protesters inside. Unlike the US, protests on the French campus have been peaceful, with Sciences Po being the epicentre due to the university’s ties with Israel.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the university, ahead of the police action, told Reuters that they were seeking to negotiate and “end the standoff”.

Sciences Po’s director Jean Basseres, on Thursday, rejected protesters’ demand to review its ties with Israeli universities.&nbsp;

Jack, one of the students who spent Thursday night occupying one of the main buildings on the campus in central Paris, told Reuters, on Friday morning that protesters had rejected the ultimatum to clear large parts of the building and restrict their movement to a determined smaller area.

Australia

Hundreds of people protesting the ongoing war in Gaza rallied at one of Australia’s top universities on Friday and demanded that it divest from companies with ties to Israel.&nbsp;

Last week, protesters set up encampments near the University of Sydney’s sandstone main hall. Similar protests have sprung up at universities in Melbourne, Canberra and other Australian cities.

The University of Sydney also witnessed dozens of counter-protesters carrying Australian and Israeli flags who had gathered to&nbsp;hear speakers talk about how the pro-Palestinian protests made Jewish students and staff feel unsafe on campus, reported Reuters. The two groups were separated by lines of security guards.&nbsp;

University of Sydney vice-chancellor Mark Scott said that the encampment on campus has been allowed since there has been no violence.&nbsp;

Canada

Top Canadian universities including the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, the University of Ottawa, and Montreal’s McGill University have also witnessed similar pro-Palestinian protests and set up encampments.&nbsp;

Quebec Premier Francois Legault said that the encampment set up at McGill should be dismantled. The university had requested police intervention, but law enforcement did not clear the encampment and said it was monitoring the situation.&nbsp;

The students at Canadian universities have called on their colleges to disclose investments and divest from any which helps Israel, asking them to end partnerships with some Israeli institutes.&nbsp;

Mexico

Dozens of students at Mexico’s largest university, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), set up an encampment, on Thursday.&nbsp;The students have called on the Mexican government to break diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel.

United Kingdom

Some of the most prominent universities in the United Kingdom have joined the protests&nbsp;against the war in Gaza.&nbsp;Pro-Palestinian protesters in cities like&nbsp;Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds have set up camp outside university buildings.&nbsp;

Ireland

Trinity College Dublin (TCD), one of the top universities in Ireland, fined its students’ union $230,979 over holding protests, including those against the war in Gaza.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-move-in-to-dismantle-ucla-gaza-protest-barricades-717374">Police tear down barricades at UCLA protest encampment</a>&nbsp;

The students on the campus have been protesting against the university’s response to the war in Gaza and proposed course fee hikes and increased accommodation costs.&nbsp;

<h2>Houthis offer education to US students</h2>

Yemen-based Iranian-backed militant group Houthi said that it will offer education to students suspended from US universities for anti-Israel protests, reported Reuters, on Friday.&nbsp;

“We are serious about welcoming students that have been suspended from U.S. universities for supporting Palestinians,” an official at Sanaa University, which is run by the Houthis, told the news agency.&nbsp;

“We are fighting this battle with Palestine in every way we can,” the official added. This comes as several universities in the US have threatened to suspend students over the pro-Palestinian student protests.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: More than 2,000 people, including students, have been arrested on campuses across the United States, as of Friday (May 3) in pro-Palestinian protests over the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: More than 2,000 people, including students, have been arrested on campuses across the United States, as of Friday (May 3) in pro-Palestinian protests over the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. These demonstrations are no longer limited to the US with people and students across the world taking to university campuses, setting up encampments and showing up in large numbers to protest the war in Gaza. Indians travelling to Iran, Israel asked to 'remain vigilant' Indians travelling to Iran and Israel should "remain vigilant and be in touch with Indian embassies," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, on Friday. "We continue to closely monitor the situation in the region. We have also noted that Iran and Israel have opened their airspace for several days now. We advise Indian nationals to remain vigilant while traveling to these countries and be in touch with the Indian Embassy," said the MEA spokesperson while responding to a question by the media. This comes after the MEA, on April 12, asked Indian citizens not to travel to Israel and Iran "till further notice". US 'temporarily paused' work on Gaza pier The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said soldiers “temporarily paused” the work on the temporary pier to boost aid deliveries to Gaza amid unsafe sea conditions, on Thursday. "The partially built pier and military vessels involved in its construction have moved to the Port of Ashdod, where assembly will continue, and will be completed prior to the emplacement of the pier in its intended location when sea states subside," said the CENTCOM in a statement, on Friday. The pier will allow "the delivery of large quantities of humanitarian aid from ship to shore by truck, with vehicles driving directly off ships and across the temporary pier to a marshaling yard ashore," it added. Israel to give Hamas a week for ceasefire deal Israel has given Hamas one week to agree to the latest deal or warned that it will launch its offensive in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The deal brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar would see the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in fighting. Also Read | Over 2,100 arrests made in pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses The report does not mention when the ultimatum was given but cites Egyptian officials speaking, on Friday, suggesting that Hamas will have until next week to answer. The report comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (Apr 30) said Israel will carry out an operation in Rafah regardless of whether a ceasefire and hostage release deal is reached. 'Far too many' journalists killed in Gaza: Biden United States President Joe Biden in a statement for World Press Freedom Day, said "far too many" journalists have been killed amid the ongoing war in Gaza. "On World Press Freedom Day, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of journalists and media workers around the world risking everything in pursuit of truth," said Biden. He added, "This is especially resonant today; 2023 was one of the deadliest years for journalists in recent memory. One reason for that is the war in Gaza, where far too many journalists, the vast majority of them Palestinian, have been killed." Turkey halts trade with Israel Turkey, on Friday, said that it will not resume the more than $7 billion trade with Israel until a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid are secured in Gaza. Israel's "uncompromising attitude" and the worsening situation in Rafah - which Israel has threatened to invade - has prompted Ankara to halt all exports and imports, said Turkey's Trade Minister Omer Bolat. "We decided to stop exports and imports to and from Israel until a permanent ceasefire is achieved (in Gaza) and humanitarian aid is allowed without interruption," said Bolat. Campus protests across the world United States More than 2,000 people have been arrested from dozens of US college campuses in recent weeks, amid the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests, according to a tally by the Associated Press. WATCH | Paris: Police raid University students The police arrested more than 300 protesters on college campuses on Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Around 210 were arrested from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The police, on Thursday (May 2) crackdown on defiant pro-Palestinian protesters at several colleges with UCLA witnessing particularly jarring scenes. France On Friday, the police in Paris entered France’s prestigious Sciences Po university to remove pro-Palestinian protesters who had occupied the college’s buildings. A Reuters witness saw police enter the buildings and bring out many of the 70-odd protesters inside. Unlike the US, protests on the French campus have been peaceful, with Sciences Po being the epicentre due to the university’s ties with Israel. A spokesperson for the university, ahead of the police action, told Reuters that they were seeking to negotiate and “end the standoff”. Sciences Po’s director Jean Basseres, on Thursday, rejected protesters’ demand to review its ties with Israeli universities. Jack, one of the students who spent Thursday night occupying one of the main buildings on the campus in central Paris, told Reuters, on Friday morning that protesters had rejected the ultimatum to clear large parts of the building and restrict their movement to a determined smaller area. Australia Hundreds of people protesting the ongoing war in Gaza rallied at one of Australia’s top universities on Friday and demanded that it divest from companies with ties to Israel. Last week, protesters set up encampments near the University of Sydney’s sandstone main hall. Similar protests have sprung up at universities in Melbourne, Canberra and other Australian cities. The University of Sydney also witnessed dozens of counter-protesters carrying Australian and Israeli flags who had gathered to hear speakers talk about how the pro-Palestinian protests made Jewish students and staff feel unsafe on campus, reported Reuters. The two groups were separated by lines of security guards. University of Sydney vice-chancellor Mark Scott said that the encampment on campus has been allowed since there has been no violence. Canada Top Canadian universities including the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, the University of Ottawa, and Montreal’s McGill University have also witnessed similar pro-Palestinian protests and set up encampments. Quebec Premier Francois Legault said that the encampment set up at McGill should be dismantled. The university had requested police intervention, but law enforcement did not clear the encampment and said it was monitoring the situation. The students at Canadian universities have called on their colleges to disclose investments and divest from any which helps Israel, asking them to end partnerships with some Israeli institutes. Mexico Dozens of students at Mexico’s largest university, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), set up an encampment, on Thursday. The students have called on the Mexican government to break diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel. United Kingdom Some of the most prominent universities in the United Kingdom have joined the protests against the war in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian protesters in cities like Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds have set up camp outside university buildings. Ireland Trinity College Dublin (TCD), one of the top universities in Ireland, fined its students’ union $230,979 over holding protests, including those against the war in Gaza. Also Read | Police tear down barricades at UCLA protest encampment The students on the campus have been protesting against the university’s response to the war in Gaza and proposed course fee hikes and increased accommodation costs. Houthis offer education to US students Yemen-based Iranian-backed militant group Houthi said that it will offer education to students suspended from US universities for anti-Israel protests, reported Reuters, on Friday. “We are serious about welcoming students that have been suspended from U.S. universities for supporting Palestinians,” an official at Sanaa University, which is run by the Houthis, told the news agency. “We are fighting this battle with Palestine in every way we can,” the official added. This comes as several universities in the US have threatened to suspend students over the pro-Palestinian student protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel gives Hamas a week to choose between ceasefire deal or Rafah offensive: Report

Turkey on Thursday (May 2) halted its exports and imports to and from Israel, reported Bloomberg News citing Turkish officials amid the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip.

The Turkish ports have reportedly begun preventing the export of goods to Haifa and Ashdod ports respectively, whereas the goods that are arriving in Turkey from Israel are not being unloaded, said the Times of Israel citing the Globes financial daily reports.

Both countries had a trade volume of $6.8 billion in the year 2023.

<h2>Israeli Foreign Minister Katz accuses Erdogan of 'breaking agreements'</h2>

Following the reports, Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of “breaking agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports.”

Katz took to his official X handle and said, “This is how a dictator behaves, disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, and ignoring international trade agreements.”

He then said that he has directed Director General Yaakov Blitshtein to “immediately engage with all relevant parties in the government to create alternatives for trade with Turkey, focusing on local production and imports from other countries.”

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTErdogan</a> is breaking agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports. This is how a dictator behaves, disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, and ignoring international trade agreements. I have instructed the Director General of the…
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&nbsp;

“Israel will emerge with a strong and daring economy,” Katz vowed. “We Win, and They Lose.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-reaffirms-he-doesnt-rule-out-troops-for-ukraine-717507">Macron reaffirms he doesn't rule out troops for Ukraine</a>

<h2>Erdogan calls on Palestinians to unite after meeting with Hamas chief</h2>

Last month, Erdogan met with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul and following his meeting, urged the Palestinians to unite amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

As per the Turkish media reports, the talks that took place between the Turkish President and Hamas chief, at the Dolmabahce palace, on the banks of the Bosphorus strait, lasted for about more than two and a half hours.

"It is vital that Palestinians act with unity in this process. The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity," Erdogan said according to a Turkish presidency statement.

Erdogan, as per news agency AFP, said that the strained ties between Tel Aviv and Tehran should also not permit Israel to "gain ground and that it is important to act in a way that keeps attention on Gaza".

<h2>Erdogan slams Netanyahu</h2>

Earlier, Erdogan hit out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli leadership condemning them for the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

"Israel violating international law and the Vienna Convention by targeting the Iranian Embassy in Damascus was the straw that broke the camel's back," Erdogan said during a press conference after a cabinet meeting in Ankara.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Turkey on Thursday (May 2) halted its exports and imports to and from Israel, reported Bloomberg News citing Turkish officials amid the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Turkey on Thursday (May 2) halted its exports and imports to and from Israel, reported Bloomberg News citing Turkish officials amid the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip. The Turkish ports have reportedly begun preventing the export of goods to Haifa and Ashdod ports respectively, whereas the goods that are arriving in Turkey from Israel are not being unloaded, said the Times of Israel citing the Globes financial daily reports. Both countries had a trade volume of $6.8 billion in the year 2023. Israeli Foreign Minister Katz accuses Erdogan of 'breaking agreements' Following the reports, Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of “breaking agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports.” Katz took to his official X handle and said, “This is how a dictator behaves, disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, and ignoring international trade agreements.” He then said that he has directed Director General Yaakov Blitshtein to “immediately engage with all relevant parties in the government to create alternatives for trade with Turkey, focusing on local production and imports from other countries.” .@RTErdogan is breaking agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports. This is how a dictator behaves, disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, and ignoring international trade agreements. I have instructed the Director General of the… — ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 2, 2024 × “Israel will emerge with a strong and daring economy,” Katz vowed. “We Win, and They Lose.” Also read: Macron reaffirms he doesn't rule out troops for Ukraine Erdogan calls on Palestinians to unite after meeting with Hamas chief Last month, Erdogan met with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul and following his meeting, urged the Palestinians to unite amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. As per the Turkish media reports, the talks that took place between the Turkish President and Hamas chief, at the Dolmabahce palace, on the banks of the Bosphorus strait, lasted for about more than two and a half hours. "It is vital that Palestinians act with unity in this process. The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity," Erdogan said according to a Turkish presidency statement. Erdogan, as per news agency AFP, said that the strained ties between Tel Aviv and Tehran should also not permit Israel to "gain ground and that it is important to act in a way that keeps attention on Gaza". Erdogan slams Netanyahu Earlier, Erdogan hit out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli leadership condemning them for the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. "Israel violating international law and the Vienna Convention by targeting the Iranian Embassy in Damascus was the straw that broke the camel's back," Erdogan said during a press conference after a cabinet meeting in Ankara. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey's Erdogan halts exports, imports from Israel amid war in Gaza

Britain on Friday imposed sanctions on two "extremist" groups and four individuals in Israel who it blamed for violence in the West Bank, its latest package of measures against Israeli settlers.

Britain's Foreign Office named Hilltop Youth and Lehava as two groups which it said were known to have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

The four individuals sanctioned were responsible for human rights abuses against these communities, the statement added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-uk-pm-boris-johnson-becomes-victim-of-his-own-voting-rule-heres-how-717624">Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson becomes victim of his own voting rule. Here's how</a>

Among them are Noam Federman, who has trained settler groups in committing violence and Elisha Yered, who has justified killing Palestinians on religious grounds.

Violence in the West Bank was already on the rise before Israel's assault on Gaza, which was triggered by an October&nbsp;7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

It has escalated since, with stepped-up Israeli military raids, settler violence and Palestinian street attacks.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-campus-protests-over-gaza-war-spread-to-australia-houthis-offer-education-to-suspended-us-students-717754">Campus protests over Gaza war spread to Australia; Houthis offer education to suspended US students</a>

British foreign minister David Cameron said extremist settlers were undermining security and stability and threatening the prospects for peace.

"The Israeli authorities must clamp down on those responsible. The UK will not hesitate to take further action if needed, including through further sanctions," he said.

Those sanctioned will be subject to financial and travel restrictions. Britain previously imposed sanctions on four Israeli nationals in February.

Britain on Friday imposed sanctions on two "extremist" groups and four individuals in Israel who it blamed for violence in the West Bank, its latest package of measures against Israeli settlers.

Britain on Friday imposed sanctions on two "extremist" groups and four individuals in Israel who it blamed for violence in the West Bank, its latest package of measures against Israeli settlers. Britain's Foreign Office named Hilltop Youth and Lehava as two groups which it said were known to have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The four individuals sanctioned were responsible for human rights abuses against these communities, the statement added. Also Read | Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson becomes victim of his own voting rule. Here's how Among them are Noam Federman, who has trained settler groups in committing violence and Elisha Yered, who has justified killing Palestinians on religious grounds. Violence in the West Bank was already on the rise before Israel's assault on Gaza, which was triggered by an October 7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. It has escalated since, with stepped-up Israeli military raids, settler violence and Palestinian street attacks. Also Read | Campus protests over Gaza war spread to Australia; Houthis offer education to suspended US students British foreign minister David Cameron said extremist settlers were undermining security and stability and threatening the prospects for peace. "The Israeli authorities must clamp down on those responsible. The UK will not hesitate to take further action if needed, including through further sanctions," he said. Those sanctioned will be subject to financial and travel restrictions. Britain previously imposed sanctions on four Israeli nationals in February.

Britain sanctions 2 Israeli groups, 4 individuals for violence in West Bank

Pro-Palestinian protestors at UCLA received unexpected support this week. Faculty members, alerted by a student call for help, volunteered to join the protest.

"Students expressed feeling unsafe," said Graeme Blair, a political science professor, "and they wanted our assistance in improving the situation."

Dozens of faculty activists responded swiftly, pledging to join the students in shifts at their on-campus encampment.

<img alt="UCLA protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="955fc736-6f6d-4df4-bcdc-cb22314fd7fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-05-03T081333.551.png" />

On Thursday (May 2) morning, the police cracked down on the protests where&nbsp;the faculty members were joining hands with students, allowing themselves to be arrested.

Nationwide pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses have resulted in over 2,100 arrests. Police employed riot gear, tactical vehicles, and flash-bangs to dismantle tent encampments and occupied buildings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-student-protests-biden-calls-for-order-says-no-place-for-antisemitism-on-any-campus-717473">US student protests: Biden calls for 'order', says 'no place' for antisemitism</a>

According to an NYPD official, majority of people arrested at Columbia were not affiliated with the university.

It was one of the clearest instances of a little-noted fact of the student demonstrations against the war in Gaza — that a small fraction of faculty members at UCLA, Columbia and other universities have provided logistical and emotional support to the protesters.

<img alt="UCLA protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b133e35f-834e-408a-a3e9-634be83a082d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Announcements%20broadcasted%20on%20the%20University%20of%20California%20Los%20Angeles%20campus%20Wednesday%20evening%20told%20demonstrators%20to%20disperse%20or%20they%20would%20be%20arrested%20and%20face%20a%20misdemeanor%20charge.%20The%20protester_0.png" />

Some faculty members have formal ties to Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine, the counterpart of Students for Justice in Palestine, a decentralised national network of pro-Palestinian groups.

Meanwhile, an NYPD police officer who was involved in clearing protesters from a Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall earlier this week fired his gun inside the hall, the Manhattan district attorney's office confirmed on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rebuilding-gaza-to-at-least-16-years-and-cost-around-30-to-40-billion-un-717472">Rebuilding all homes destroyed in Gaza would take at least 16 years, says UN</a>&nbsp;

The office said students were not in the immediate vicinity of the gunfire and that no one was hurt. The incident is now under review.

<img alt="UCLA protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="164e4382-c0eb-4889-ac7b-9e4c363c96fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-05-03T132404.284_0.png" />

The pro-Palestinian protests have ignited tensions among faculty. Some criticise the activist professors, accusing them of glorifying demonstrations that have disrupted campus life.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rebuilding-gaza-to-at-least-16-years-and-cost-around-30-to-40-billion-un-717472">Rebuilding all homes destroyed in Gaza would take at least 16 years, says UN</a>&nbsp;

However, at Columbia University, some faculty expressed solidarity with the students, even if they didn't fully support their message.

They provided logistical support by delivering supplies, integrating the protests into their curriculum, and participating in discussions. They even formed a physical barrier to potentially delay police action.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestinian protestors at UCLA received unexpected support this week. Faculty members, alerted by a student call for help, volunteered to join the protest. "Students expressed feeling unsafe," said Graeme Blair, a political science professor, "and they wanted our assistance in improving the situation.

Pro-Palestinian protestors at UCLA received unexpected support this week. Faculty members, alerted by a student call for help, volunteered to join the protest. "Students expressed feeling unsafe," said Graeme Blair, a political science professor, "and they wanted our assistance in improving the situation." Dozens of faculty activists responded swiftly, pledging to join the students in shifts at their on-campus encampment. On Thursday (May 2) morning, the police cracked down on the protests where the faculty members were joining hands with students, allowing themselves to be arrested. Nationwide pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses have resulted in over 2,100 arrests. Police employed riot gear, tactical vehicles, and flash-bangs to dismantle tent encampments and occupied buildings. Also read: US student protests: Biden calls for 'order', says 'no place' for antisemitism According to an NYPD official, majority of people arrested at Columbia were not affiliated with the university. It was one of the clearest instances of a little-noted fact of the student demonstrations against the war in Gaza — that a small fraction of faculty members at UCLA, Columbia and other universities have provided logistical and emotional support to the protesters. Some faculty members have formal ties to Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine, the counterpart of Students for Justice in Palestine, a decentralised national network of pro-Palestinian groups. Meanwhile, an NYPD police officer who was involved in clearing protesters from a Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall earlier this week fired his gun inside the hall, the Manhattan district attorney's office confirmed on Thursday. Also read: Rebuilding all homes destroyed in Gaza would take at least 16 years, says UN The office said students were not in the immediate vicinity of the gunfire and that no one was hurt. The incident is now under review. The pro-Palestinian protests have ignited tensions among faculty. Some criticise the activist professors, accusing them of glorifying demonstrations that have disrupted campus life. Also read: Rebuilding all homes destroyed in Gaza would take at least 16 years, says UN However, at Columbia University, some faculty expressed solidarity with the students, even if they didn't fully support their message. They provided logistical support by delivering supplies, integrating the protests into their curriculum, and participating in discussions. They even formed a physical barrier to potentially delay police action. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 2,100 arrests made in pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses, non-students make up majority

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