Israel appears to be moving ahead with its planned operation in the southern Gaza City of Rafah despite the international outcry and condemnation over fierce for the 1.5 million Palestinian civilians who are sheltering there. What about Gaza that lies in complete ruins? Our report documents the month-by-month destruction of the besieged occupied Palestinian strip as seen in some fresh satellite images. Watch in for more details!

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Families of hostages still hope for Gaza truce and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. Listen in!

Israel-Hamas War: Family appeals for release of hostage kids

The assumption among the Israeli leadership is that Hamas will formally reject the most recent offer for a hostage and truce agreement, an Israeli official informed a media agency as the war cabinet met on Thursday night. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel confirms death of hostages held in Gaza

Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities on Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested. Watch in for more details!

US campus clashes: Hundreds arrested at UCLA & other schools, police break into protest encampments

Israel war | Harrowing stories of unending wait: Kin of Bibas family narrates ordeal

Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday (May 1) at the University of California, Los Angeles campus between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters, reported a US-based broadcaster.

The clashes involved multiple acts of violence, with rival factions using sticks, hurling objects and even tearing down metal barricades. As per reports, to handle the violence, police were seen carrying zip ties and pepper spray.

<h2>Pro-Palestine vs pro-Israel protests</h2>

As per a UCLA student newspaper Daily Bruin report, pro-Israel supporters had tried to tear down a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the campus.

To pacify the situation, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had to step in. Police, as per Reuters, were responding to UCLA Chancellor Gene Block's request for support.

In a statement on X, LA police said, "At the request of UCLA, due to multiple acts of violence within the large encampment on their campus, the LAPD is responding to assist UCLA PD, and other law enforcement agencies, to restore order and maintain public safety."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-enter-columbia-building-barricaded-by-students-as-protests-716835">NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, dozens arrested</a>

Visuals from the clash show rival protesters clashing, brandishing sticks, as unidentified projectiles flew overhead.

This comes as in New York City, late on Tuesday (Apr 30) police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators holed up in an academic building on Columbia University campus in the city. The police also removed a protest encampment that the Ivy League school had sought to dismantle for nearly two weeks but had failed.

As per AFP, UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block in a letter posted on the University website on Tuesday had warned ahead of clashes that protesters including "both members of the UCLA community and others unaffiliated with our campus" had last week set up a camp.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rigging-allegations-trump-refuses-to-dismiss-possibility-of-violence-if-he-loses-in-2024-elections-716844">Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections</a>

"Many of the demonstrators, as well as counter-demonstrators who have come to the area, have been peaceful in their activism," Block wrote.

"But the tactics of others have frankly been shocking and shameful. We have seen instances of violence," he said, adding, "These incidents have put many on our campus, especially our Jewish students, in a state of anxiety and fear."

(With inputs from agencies)

Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday (May 1) at the University of California, Los Angeles campus between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters, reported a US-based broadcaster.

Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday (May 1) at the University of California, Los Angeles campus between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters, reported a US-based broadcaster. The clashes involved multiple acts of violence, with rival factions using sticks, hurling objects and even tearing down metal barricades. As per reports, to handle the violence, police were seen carrying zip ties and pepper spray. Pro-Palestine vs pro-Israel protests As per a UCLA student newspaper Daily Bruin report, pro-Israel supporters had tried to tear down a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the campus. To pacify the situation, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had to step in. Police, as per Reuters, were responding to UCLA Chancellor Gene Block's request for support. In a statement on X, LA police said, "At the request of UCLA, due to multiple acts of violence within the large encampment on their campus, the LAPD is responding to assist UCLA PD, and other law enforcement agencies, to restore order and maintain public safety." Also read | NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, dozens arrested Visuals from the clash show rival protesters clashing, brandishing sticks, as unidentified projectiles flew overhead. This comes as in New York City, late on Tuesday (Apr 30) police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators holed up in an academic building on Columbia University campus in the city. The police also removed a protest encampment that the Ivy League school had sought to dismantle for nearly two weeks but had failed. As per AFP, UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block in a letter posted on the University website on Tuesday had warned ahead of clashes that protesters including "both members of the UCLA community and others unaffiliated with our campus" had last week set up a camp. Also read | Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections "Many of the demonstrators, as well as counter-demonstrators who have come to the area, have been peaceful in their activism," Block wrote. "But the tactics of others have frankly been shocking and shameful. We have seen instances of violence," he said, adding, "These incidents have put many on our campus, especially our Jewish students, in a state of anxiety and fear." (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters clash at UCLA campus, police step in

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

Israel war: US Democrats press Biden to prevent Israeli assault on Rafah

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 1) passed a bill that proposes to expand the federal definition of antisemitism.

The bill passed the House on Wednesday by a margin of 320 to 91 amid the ongoing anti-war protests unfolding across multiple US university campuses. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

If the bill were to become law, it would codify a definition of antisemitism created by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Civil Rights Act bars discrimination based on shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics or national origin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-face-criticism-for-their-slow-response-to-violence-717183">Pro-Palestine protests: Violence mars US universities, hundreds arrested as police take over campuses</a>&nbsp;

According to the reports in the US media, adding IHRA’s definition to the law would allow the Biden administration or any future US president to restrict funding and other resources to campuses perceived as tolerating antisemitism.

Also watch |&nbsp;US: Police arrest dozens of protesters across campuses, tensions escalate between police and students

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In the current circumstances, this could be used to stifle campus protests against the war in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed the lives of 34,568 Palestinians so far.

<h2>What is IHRA's definition of antisemitism?</h2>

IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism is "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities".

This definition also covers the "targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity".

The definition also bars any comparison between "contemporary Israeli policy" and "that of the Nazis".

The IHRA adopted its current definition of antisemitism in 2016, and its framing has been embraced by the US State Department under President Joe Biden and his two predecessors.

The vote on Wednesday (May 1) comes as anti-war protests sweep across college campuses in the US.

The Biden administration has pledged support for Israel amid mounting humanitarian concerns over its military campaign that began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed about 1200 people and took over 250 hostages.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 1) passed a bill that proposes to expand the federal definition of antisemitism. The bill passed the House on Wednesday by a margin of 320 to 91 amid the ongoing anti-war protests unfolding across multiple US university campuses.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 1) passed a bill that proposes to expand the federal definition of antisemitism. The bill passed the House on Wednesday by a margin of 320 to 91 amid the ongoing anti-war protests unfolding across multiple US university campuses. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. What does it mean? If the bill were to become law, it would codify a definition of antisemitism created by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Civil Rights Act bars discrimination based on shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics or national origin. Also read | Pro-Palestine protests: Violence mars US universities, hundreds arrested as police take over campuses According to the reports in the US media, adding IHRA’s definition to the law would allow the Biden administration or any future US president to restrict funding and other resources to campuses perceived as tolerating antisemitism. Also watch | US: Police arrest dozens of protesters across campuses, tensions escalate between police and students × In the current circumstances, this could be used to stifle campus protests against the war in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed the lives of 34,568 Palestinians so far. What is IHRA's definition of antisemitism? IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism is "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities". This definition also covers the "targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity". The definition also bars any comparison between "contemporary Israeli policy" and "that of the Nazis". The IHRA adopted its current definition of antisemitism in 2016, and its framing has been embraced by the US State Department under President Joe Biden and his two predecessors. The vote on Wednesday (May 1) comes as anti-war protests sweep across college campuses in the US. The Biden administration has pledged support for Israel amid mounting humanitarian concerns over its military campaign that began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed about 1200 people and took over 250 hostages. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid varsity protests, US moves forward with proposed law to expand definition of antisemitism

India has voiced hope for Palestine’s bid to join the United Nations. What did India’s permanent representative to the UN say? Watch on #gravitasquoteunquote.

Gravitas | India: Palestine's appeal to join UN should be reconsidered

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Israel-Hamas War: Will hostage deal come through?

Israel war: Israel reopens Erez crossing to allow aid

Israel war: Where do Gaza truces talks stand?

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

Protests at UCLA: Police crackdown on protesters intensifies

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

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

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

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

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

Columbia University student protestors claimed to have taken over Hamilton Hall on Tuesday (April 30) after the university started suspending students who refused to leave a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus.

Columbia University student protestors claimed to have taken over Hamilton Hall on Tuesday (April 30) after the university started suspending students who refused to leave a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. The university administration had previously declared that the protest campsite must be evacuated by 2:00 p.m. (1800 GMT) or students may face disciplinary punishment. According to an Instagram post by student groups, protestors have "taken matters into their own hands," and they intend to remain until Columbia divests financially from Israel. A video posted by the student protestors shows rows of students approaching the building with barricades. The demonstrators claimed that a "autonomous group" had taken over the building, which houses the classics, Germanic, and Slavic language departments, and renamed it "Hind Hall" in honor of Hind Rajab, a 6-year-old who was killed in Gaza this year while calling for help. Also read: Columbia University suspends student protesters for defiance of ultimatum to disperse "Students have taken over Hamilton Hall. This escalation is in line with uprisings in 1968, 1985 and 1996, which Columbia repressed then and celebrates today. All power to students putting their bodies and livelihoods on the line to stand against genocide," Palestinian Youth Movement wrote on X. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: Students have taken over Hamilton Hall. This escalation is in line with uprisings in 1968, 1985 and 1996, which Columbia repressed then and celebrates today. All power to students putting their bodies and livelihoods on the line to stand against genocide. pic.twitter.com/YstaG9l9iZ — Palestinian Youth Movement (@palyouthmvmt) April 30, 2024 × The students said that their takeover of the building represented the “next generation” of Columbia University student movements and that they would not leave until the school granted their requests for, “divestment, financial transparency, and amnesty.” While the exact number of student demonstrators inside the building is unknown, the Columbia Spectator, the university's student newspaper, reported that dozens of protestors are inside the building. White House condemns Meanwhile, the Biden White House has condemned this move by students. “The president believes that forcibly taking over a building on campus is absolutely the wrong approach. That is not an example of peaceful protest,” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said during a press briefing. “Hate speech and hate symbols have no place in this country,” Kirby added. What is the significance of Hamilton Hall? The 118-year-old Hamilton Hall has been the focal point of campus demonstrations since the 1960s.Amid protests against racism, the Vietnam War, and the university's intended expansion into Morningside Park, activists took control of it in 1968.

Columbia student protesters seize university building, White House condemns move

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

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

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

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