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The campus chaos in the US is escalating, dozens of demonstrators took over a building at Columbia University in New York. Moreover, New York Police Department personnels entered Hamilton hall and arrested several student protesters.

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

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Watch the top headlines of the hour: - China, a threat to our crews: Philippines - Russia strikes Ukraine Army HQ in Odesa - Police clear Columbia's Hamilton Hall - Blinken in Israel to push for truce - US moves to reclassify Marijuana - South korea discusses joining AUKUS - Multiple Delhi-NCR schools recieve bomb threats

China, a threat to our crews: Philippines | Russia strikes Ukraine Army HQ in Odesa

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 Florida Supreme Court on Monday reshaped the state's abortion landscape by overturning longstanding privacy protections and permitting a six-week abortion ban.

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Protesters on Columbia University’s campus took control of an academic building on Tuesday, as pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue to spread at college campuses around the nation against the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Protests rock US colleges: Protesters chant 'free Palestine' slogans at Columbia University

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Netanyahu vows to raid Rafah - Police clear Columbia's Hamilton Hall - Blinken in Israel to push for truce - US moves to reclassify Marijuana - South korea discusses joining AUKUS - Multiple Delhi-NCR schools recieve bomb threats

US moves to reclassify marijuana | Police clear Columbia's Hamilton Hall

When three-year-old Saylor Class started expressing concerns about monsters in her bedroom, her parents initially dismissed it as a typical product of a child's vivid imagination. However, their perspective shifted when a beekeeper found tens of thousands of honeybees above the girl's bedroom. Saylor had been mentioning "monsters in the wall" of her room at their farmhouse in Charlotte, North Carolina. Initially, her mother, Ashley Massis Class, and her husband didn't pay much attention to it, considering they had recently watched the Pixar movie, Monsters, Inc.

"We even gave her a bottle of water and said it was monster spray so that she could spray away any of the monsters at night," Massis Class, a home designer told the BBC.&nbsp;

However, in the following months, Saylor grew increasingly adamant about something being inside her closet. Massis Class started connecting the dots when she observed bees gathering in groups around the attic and the chimney outside their century-old residence. They began to suspect that Saylor might have been hearing the buzzing noise near her bedroom ceiling.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honeybee-killing-yellow-hornet-spotted-in-us-for-the-first-time-626776">Also read |&nbsp;Honeybee-killing yellow hornet spotted in US for the first time, sparks concern</a>

Massis Class reached out to a pest control company, which determined that the winged insects were honeybees, a species protected in the US. Afterwards, she and her husband got in touch with a beekeeper who observed the insects moving towards the floorboards of the attic, directly above their daughter's bedroom. These bees had spent eight months constructing their hive. The beekeeper utilised a thermal camera to examine the walls in the three-year-old's bedroom.&nbsp;

"It lit up like Christmas," Massis Class said.

The beekeeper had never seen a hive go so deep into a wall before. He found it started from a tiny hole in the attic vent's corner. The beekeeper, now known as the "monster hunter" by Massis Class's daughter, opened the wall and revealed a big honeycomb.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/even-honeybees-can-tell-diffrence-between-even-and-odd-numbers-475442">Also read |&nbsp;Even honeybees can tell diffrence between even and odd numbers&nbsp;</a>

The beekeeper took out around 55,000 to 65,000 bees and 100 pounds (45 kilogrammes) of honeycomb. They did this three times by vacuuming the bees out of the wall and putting them in boxes to move them to a honeybee sanctuary.

Between these removals, Massis Class had to block off the room to stop the bees from flying around her house. The bees and their honey damaged the house's electrical wiring, but her insurance wouldn't pay for it because they said it could have been avoided.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

When three-year-old Saylor Class started expressing concerns about monsters in her bedroom, her parents initially dismissed it as a typical product of a child's vivid imagination.

When three-year-old Saylor Class started expressing concerns about monsters in her bedroom, her parents initially dismissed it as a typical product of a child's vivid imagination. However, their perspective shifted when a beekeeper found tens of thousands of honeybees above the girl's bedroom. Saylor had been mentioning "monsters in the wall" of her room at their farmhouse in Charlotte, North Carolina. Initially, her mother, Ashley Massis Class, and her husband didn't pay much attention to it, considering they had recently watched the Pixar movie, Monsters, Inc. "We even gave her a bottle of water and said it was monster spray so that she could spray away any of the monsters at night," Massis Class, a home designer told the BBC. However, in the following months, Saylor grew increasingly adamant about something being inside her closet. Massis Class started connecting the dots when she observed bees gathering in groups around the attic and the chimney outside their century-old residence. They began to suspect that Saylor might have been hearing the buzzing noise near her bedroom ceiling. Also read | Honeybee-killing yellow hornet spotted in US for the first time, sparks concern Massis Class reached out to a pest control company, which determined that the winged insects were honeybees, a species protected in the US. Afterwards, she and her husband got in touch with a beekeeper who observed the insects moving towards the floorboards of the attic, directly above their daughter's bedroom. These bees had spent eight months constructing their hive. The beekeeper utilised a thermal camera to examine the walls in the three-year-old's bedroom. "It lit up like Christmas," Massis Class said. The beekeeper had never seen a hive go so deep into a wall before. He found it started from a tiny hole in the attic vent's corner. The beekeeper, now known as the "monster hunter" by Massis Class's daughter, opened the wall and revealed a big honeycomb. Also read | Even honeybees can tell diffrence between even and odd numbers The beekeeper took out around 55,000 to 65,000 bees and 100 pounds (45 kilogrammes) of honeycomb. They did this three times by vacuuming the bees out of the wall and putting them in boxes to move them to a honeybee sanctuary. Between these removals, Massis Class had to block off the room to stop the bees from flying around her house. The bees and their honey damaged the house's electrical wiring, but her insurance wouldn't pay for it because they said it could have been avoided. (With inputs from agencies)

She felt there were 'monsters' in her room. It was a colony of 60,000 bees

Florida&nbsp;implemented&nbsp;one of the most stringent abortion restrictions in the United States on Wednesday (May 1). Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in the state to confront Donald Trump on the pivotal issue for the 2024 presidential election.

Republican-led Florida has come up&nbsp;as an important battleground on the contentious issue of abortion. The ban, prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, has put the state into the spotlight as President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party seek&nbsp;to leverage it for electoral gain come November.

Since the conservative-leaning US Supreme Court, influenced by three Trump-appointed justices, revoked the nationwide abortion right in 2022, several states including Florida introduced restrictive measures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-50-of-us-voters-dont-like-trump-for-president-but-more-would-prefer-him-over-biden-poll-716147">Also read |&nbsp;Over 50% of US voters don't like Trump for president, but more would prefer him over Biden: Poll</a>

<h2>Harris championed reproductive rights</h2>

Vice President Harris took centrestage in the campaign for reproductive rights, going on a nationwide tour to advocate against state abortion bans.&nbsp;

With abortion rights becoming a focal point of the election, Democrats viewed it as a potential vote winner, particularly in their efforts to thwart a potential return to the White House by Republican candidate Trump.

The impending ban in Florida triggered a flurry of activity among women and clinics across the southern US. The state, previously accommodating for abortions with a relatively high time limit, faced a drastic change in its reproductive healthcare landscape.

Also watch |&nbsp;Arizona abortion ban: Arizona lawmakers vote 32-28 to remove blanket ban on abortion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/arizona-abortion-ban-arizona-lawmakers-vote-32-28-to-remove-blanket-ban-on-abortion-714968/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican and former presidential contender, spearheaded the six-week abortion ban, solidifying his stance on the issue.

Despite legal challenges, the ban was set to take effect following the dismissal of pro-abortion groups' legal challenges.

Florida voters would have an opportunity to weigh in on the matter through a referendum coinciding with the presidential election in November.

The abortion debate amplified the culture wars within the polarised US electorate.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Florida implemented one of the most stringent abortion restrictions in the United States on Wednesday (May 1). Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in the state to confront Donald Trump on the pivotal issue for the 2024 presidential election.

Florida implemented one of the most stringent abortion restrictions in the United States on Wednesday (May 1). Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in the state to confront Donald Trump on the pivotal issue for the 2024 presidential election. Republican-led Florida has come up as an important battleground on the contentious issue of abortion. The ban, prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, has put the state into the spotlight as President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party seek to leverage it for electoral gain come November. Since the conservative-leaning US Supreme Court, influenced by three Trump-appointed justices, revoked the nationwide abortion right in 2022, several states including Florida introduced restrictive measures. Also read | Over 50% of US voters don't like Trump for president, but more would prefer him over Biden: Poll Harris championed reproductive rights Vice President Harris took centrestage in the campaign for reproductive rights, going on a nationwide tour to advocate against state abortion bans. With abortion rights becoming a focal point of the election, Democrats viewed it as a potential vote winner, particularly in their efforts to thwart a potential return to the White House by Republican candidate Trump. The impending ban in Florida triggered a flurry of activity among women and clinics across the southern US. The state, previously accommodating for abortions with a relatively high time limit, faced a drastic change in its reproductive healthcare landscape. Also watch | Arizona abortion ban: Arizona lawmakers vote 32-28 to remove blanket ban on abortion Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican and former presidential contender, spearheaded the six-week abortion ban, solidifying his stance on the issue. Despite legal challenges, the ban was set to take effect following the dismissal of pro-abortion groups' legal challenges. Florida voters would have an opportunity to weigh in on the matter through a referendum coinciding with the presidential election in November. The abortion debate amplified the culture wars within the polarised US electorate. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Florida's 6-week abortion ban goes into effect, draws criticism from doctors

China has introduced the world to peculiar drinks such as soy sauted latte or Oyster Coffee. The country has now come up with a new drink that has left the internet divided once again.

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Netanyahu vows to raid Rafah | Multiple Delhi NCR schools receive bomb threats

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday after his unexpected visit to the country's capital. In a statement on X, Zelenskyy stated, "Ukraine and NATO have reached the highest level of relations since our independence, but not yet the highest possible level."

NATO chief says Ukraine can still 'prevail' over Russia: Outgunned, 'but not too late'

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken hopeful for Gaza truce deal - Biden phone calls Qatar Egypt - Houthis attack two vessels, two US destroyers - North Korea missiles landed in Kharkiv - Four officers killed in US - North Korea missile landed in Kharkiv, says report

Israel to send delegation to Cairo | Columbia suspends protesters

In response to separatist shouts on "Khalistan" being raised during a Justin Trudeau speech, New Delhi on Monday summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner, highlighting the negative effects on bilateral relations and the promotion of a "climate of violence."

New Delhi summons Canada envoy as Khalistani slogans chanted at event attended by Trudeau

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

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

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

US claims Israeli military units violated human rights

Columbia University’s president, on Monday (Apr 29) said that the talks with the pro-Palestinian protesters on the campus have failed and urged them to voluntarily disperse or face suspension. This comes a day after skirmishes broke out at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened at Columbia University?</h2>

Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik, on Monday, said that the talks between student organisers and academic leaders have failed over the encampments set up by the pro-Palestinian protesters.&nbsp;

In a statement, Shafik said that the university would not divest assets that support the Israeli military – a key demand by the protesters – but offered to invest in health and education in Gaza as well as make Columbia’s direct investment holdings more transparent, reported Reuters.

Meanwhile, students at Columbia shared a copy of the warning they received from the university. The statement said those who did not vacate the encampment by 2:00 pm (local time) and sign a form acknowledging their participation would face suspension.&nbsp;

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>

The student would also be considered ineligible to complete the semester, reported Reuters citing the letter. Additionally, even those who sign the form and leave the area would have to reportedly face “disciplinary probation” until June 2025 or their graduation, whichever comes first.&nbsp;

The university president faced outrage, on April 18, as New York police removed a pro-Palestinian protest encampment and arrested more than 100 demonstrators from the Ivy League campus.&nbsp;

Since then, the number of people arrested for participating in these protests has surpassed 900, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

University campuses across the United States are witnessing similar protests, while college officials have urged pro-Palestinian student protesters to clear out tent encampments. This comes as the universities wrap up for the semester and prepare for graduation ceremonies.&nbsp;

However, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, students and other protesters have called on universities to cut financial ties with Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>Clashes at UCLA</h2>

On Sunday (Apr 28) morning, thousands of protesters, including university students and others gathered on the UCLA campus.&nbsp;

UCLA’s student-led newspaper, Daily Bruin reported that the crowd consisted of four protests, organised by various groups after the pro-Palestinian encampment started on the campus, last week.&nbsp;

The crowd included members of the Israeli American Council which “led the main counter-protest…toward the encampment,” according to the Daily Bruin.&nbsp;

Members of the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice which sought to support students’ right to protest and the Palestinian Youth Movement were also a part of the crowd.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-faculty-senate-passes-resolution-over-administrative-handling-of-anti-israel-protests-715673">Columbia faculty senate passes resolution over administrative handling of anti-Israel protests</a>

Images and videos of the skirmishes posted on social media show pro-Palestinian protesters and pro-Israeli counter-protesters led by the council shouting and shoving at each other.&nbsp;

According to the Daily Bruin, counter-protesters waving Israeli and American flags attempted to breach the barriers created by students inside the encampment.&nbsp;

“This morning, a group of demonstrators breached a barrier that the university had established separating two groups of protestors on our campus, resulting in physical altercations,” said Mary Osako, vice chancellor of UCLA Strategic Communications in a statement to the student-led paper.&nbsp;

It added, “UCLA has a long history of being a place of peaceful protest, and we are heartbroken about the violence that broke out.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Columbia University’s president, on Monday (Apr 29) said that the talks with the pro-Palestinian protesters on the campus have failed and urged them to voluntarily disperse or face suspension.

Columbia University’s president, on Monday (Apr 29) said that the talks with the pro-Palestinian protesters on the campus have failed and urged them to voluntarily disperse or face suspension. This comes a day after skirmishes broke out at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters. What happened at Columbia University? Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik, on Monday, said that the talks between student organisers and academic leaders have failed over the encampments set up by the pro-Palestinian protesters. In a statement, Shafik said that the university would not divest assets that support the Israeli military – a key demand by the protesters – but offered to invest in health and education in Gaza as well as make Columbia’s direct investment holdings more transparent, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, students at Columbia shared a copy of the warning they received from the university. The statement said those who did not vacate the encampment by 2:00 pm (local time) and sign a form acknowledging their participation would face suspension. Also Read | Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel The student would also be considered ineligible to complete the semester, reported Reuters citing the letter. Additionally, even those who sign the form and leave the area would have to reportedly face “disciplinary probation” until June 2025 or their graduation, whichever comes first. The university president faced outrage, on April 18, as New York police removed a pro-Palestinian protest encampment and arrested more than 100 demonstrators from the Ivy League campus. Since then, the number of people arrested for participating in these protests has surpassed 900, reported the Associated Press. University campuses across the United States are witnessing similar protests, while college officials have urged pro-Palestinian student protesters to clear out tent encampments. This comes as the universities wrap up for the semester and prepare for graduation ceremonies. However, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, students and other protesters have called on universities to cut financial ties with Israel. Clashes at UCLA On Sunday (Apr 28) morning, thousands of protesters, including university students and others gathered on the UCLA campus. UCLA’s student-led newspaper, Daily Bruin reported that the crowd consisted of four protests, organised by various groups after the pro-Palestinian encampment started on the campus, last week. The crowd included members of the Israeli American Council which “led the main counter-protest…toward the encampment,” according to the Daily Bruin. Members of the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice which sought to support students’ right to protest and the Palestinian Youth Movement were also a part of the crowd. Also Read | Columbia faculty senate passes resolution over administrative handling of anti-Israel protests Images and videos of the skirmishes posted on social media show pro-Palestinian protesters and pro-Israeli counter-protesters led by the council shouting and shoving at each other. According to the Daily Bruin, counter-protesters waving Israeli and American flags attempted to breach the barriers created by students inside the encampment. “This morning, a group of demonstrators breached a barrier that the university had established separating two groups of protestors on our campus, resulting in physical altercations,” said Mary Osako, vice chancellor of UCLA Strategic Communications in a statement to the student-led paper. It added, “UCLA has a long history of being a place of peaceful protest, and we are heartbroken about the violence that broke out.” (With inputs from agencies)

US: Columbia threatens to suspend pro-Palestinian protesters; rival groups clash on UCLA campus

Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have interviewed staff from Gaza's two biggest hospitals, two sources told Reuters, the first confirmation that ICC investigators were speaking to medics about possible crimes in the Gaza Strip.

The sources, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the subject, told Reuters ICC investigators had taken testimony from staff who had worked in the main hospital in Gaza City in the north of the enclave, Al Shifa, and the main hospital in Khan Younis in the south, Nasser.

The sources declined to provide more details, citing concerns about the safety of potential witnesses.

One of the sources said that events surrounding the hospitals could become part of the investigation by the ICC, which hears criminal cases against individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression.

The ICC's office of the prosecutor refused to comment on operational matters in ongoing investigations citing the need to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses.

The ICC has said it is investigating both sides in the conflict, including both the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza.

During the conflict, the two main Gaza hospitals have both been high profile Israeli targets - surrounded, besieged and stormed by Israeli forces who accused Hamas militants of using them for military purposes, which Hamas and medical staff deny.

In recent days, Palestinian officials have also demanded investigations after hundreds of bodies were exhumed in mass graves at Nasser. The two sources were not able to say whether such graves formed part of any questioning.

Israel denies carrying out war crimes, including in or around Gaza hospitals, where it says all its military activities have been justified by the presence of Hamas fighters.

Hospitals are protected during wartime by international treaties, which can make attacks on them war crimes under the ICC, although they can lose this protection under some circumstances if they are used by combatants in a way that is harmful to the enemy.

Israel is not a member of the ICC, while the Palestinian territories were admitted as a member state in 2015. The ICC says this gives it jurisdiction over actions by anyone including Israeli soldiers in the Palestinian territories, and by Palestinians anywhere, including on Israeli territory. Israel does not recognise any ICC jurisdiction over its citizens.

Any ICC criminal case would be separate from a case in the International Court of Justice, or World Court, which was brought by South Africa and accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, which Israel denies. The ICJ, also based in the Hague, hears lawsuits between states, while the ICC hears criminal cases against individuals.

<h2>'Dangerous Precedent'&nbsp;</h2>

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday any ICC move would not affect Israel's actions but would "set a dangerous precedent that threatens soldiers and public figures".

"Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the International Criminal Court in the Hague to undermine its basic right to defend itself," he wrote on Telegram.

Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, by Israeli tallies. Israel responded with an assault that Palestinian health authorities say has killed at least 34,000 people, with thousands more bodies believed lost under the rubble.

In a sign the ICC's investigation into the Oct. 7 attacks has been moving forward, Yael Vias Gvirsman, a lawyer representing some Israeli victims, said in February a handful of her clients had given testimony directly to ICC investigators.

Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have interviewed staff from Gaza's two biggest hospitals, two sources told Reuters, the first confirmation that ICC investigators were speaking to medics about possible crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have interviewed staff from Gaza's two biggest hospitals, two sources told Reuters, the first confirmation that ICC investigators were speaking to medics about possible crimes in the Gaza Strip. The sources, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the subject, told Reuters ICC investigators had taken testimony from staff who had worked in the main hospital in Gaza City in the north of the enclave, Al Shifa, and the main hospital in Khan Younis in the south, Nasser. The sources declined to provide more details, citing concerns about the safety of potential witnesses. One of the sources said that events surrounding the hospitals could become part of the investigation by the ICC, which hears criminal cases against individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression. The ICC's office of the prosecutor refused to comment on operational matters in ongoing investigations citing the need to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses. The ICC has said it is investigating both sides in the conflict, including both the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza. During the conflict, the two main Gaza hospitals have both been high profile Israeli targets - surrounded, besieged and stormed by Israeli forces who accused Hamas militants of using them for military purposes, which Hamas and medical staff deny. In recent days, Palestinian officials have also demanded investigations after hundreds of bodies were exhumed in mass graves at Nasser. The two sources were not able to say whether such graves formed part of any questioning. Israel denies carrying out war crimes, including in or around Gaza hospitals, where it says all its military activities have been justified by the presence of Hamas fighters. Hospitals are protected during wartime by international treaties, which can make attacks on them war crimes under the ICC, although they can lose this protection under some circumstances if they are used by combatants in a way that is harmful to the enemy. Israel is not a member of the ICC, while the Palestinian territories were admitted as a member state in 2015. The ICC says this gives it jurisdiction over actions by anyone including Israeli soldiers in the Palestinian territories, and by Palestinians anywhere, including on Israeli territory. Israel does not recognise any ICC jurisdiction over its citizens. Any ICC criminal case would be separate from a case in the International Court of Justice, or World Court, which was brought by South Africa and accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, which Israel denies. The ICJ, also based in the Hague, hears lawsuits between states, while the ICC hears criminal cases against individuals. 'Dangerous Precedent' Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday any ICC move would not affect Israel's actions but would "set a dangerous precedent that threatens soldiers and public figures". "Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the International Criminal Court in the Hague to undermine its basic right to defend itself," he wrote on Telegram. Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, by Israeli tallies. Israel responded with an assault that Palestinian health authorities say has killed at least 34,000 people, with thousands more bodies believed lost under the rubble. In a sign the ICC's investigation into the Oct. 7 attacks has been moving forward, Yael Vias Gvirsman, a lawyer representing some Israeli victims, said in February a handful of her clients had given testimony directly to ICC investigators.

Gaza hospital staff questioned by ICC war crimes prosecutors: Report

The remote Mount Ruang volcano in Indonesia erupted several times on Tuesday (April 30), stated the volcanology agency of the country. The volcanic eruptions forced Indonesia to evacuate people from nearby places and also close Sam Ratulangi International Airport in the provincial capital of Manado, as per a notice issued by state-run air traffic control provider AirNav Indonesia.

The remote Mount Ruang volcano in Indonesia erupted several times on Tuesday (April 30), stated the volcanology agency of the country. The volcanic eruptions forced Indonesia to evacuate people from nearby places and also close Sam Ratulangi International Airport in the provincial capital of Manado, as per a notice issued by state-run air traffic control provider AirNav Indonesia. In the notice, the airport said that it was shutting down because of "Ruang volcanic ash". Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the alert level to the highest after the volcanic eruption and appealed to the residents to avoid going near the volcano, as per the website. The island of Ruang, which is located in the province of North Sulawesi, is home to more than 800 residents, a lot of whom were evacuated after the volcanic eruptions earlier this month. Also Read: WATCH | Indonesia’s Ruang volcano erupts, forces evacuation of 800 to nearby islands According to the authorities, the threat from the Mount Ruang volcano has not died down after its more than half a dozen eruptions this month, which led to the evacuation of more than 6,000 people. WATCH: Another explosive eruption of #Ruang Volcano in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia, generated a wide eruption cloud this early morning, 30 April 2024. This happened just around two weeks after its previous explosive eruption that triggered a mass evacuation of the island. pic.twitter.com/dj0WMnXnSW — ScienceKonek (@sciencekonek) April 29, 2024 × Manado's airport was temporarily closed by the transport authorities earlier this month after falling rocks and ash damaged homes and also forced an evacuation from a nearby hospital. The status level was downgraded by the authorities to level 3 last week before it was again upgraded to level 4 on Tuesday (April 30). Mount Ruang's eruption leads to a tower of ash The eruption in Mount Ruang, which is located in Indonesia's outermost region of North Sulawesi province, took place at around 01:15 am local time (1715 GMT Monday) and twice more Tuesday morning, said the volcanology agency, in a statement. It added that the volcano created a tower of ash that stretched over five kilometres (3.1 miles) in the sky. A six-kilometre (3.7-mile) exclusion zone was also re-instated by the agency which said that the locals should be aware of "the potential for ejections of incandescent rocks, hot clouds and tsunamis due to eruption material entering the sea". Watch: Indonesia battered by volcanic eruptions, at least 800 evacuated after eruption This month, more than 800 people were living near Ruang and faced evacuation. Some of them came back to their homes after the end of the emergency response status, reported AFP. It remained unclear how many residents came back and were once again forced to evacuate. The vast archipelago nation of Indonesia faces frequent seismic and volcanic activity because of its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire". (With inputs from agencies)

Mount Ruang erupts again: Indonesia shuts down international airport, evacuates people

On Monday (Apr 29), the representatives from Hamas, Qatar and Egypt met in Cairo after the proposal for a second truce in Gaza was given to Hamas along with a fresh plan for release of hostages. US President Joe Biden called on the leaders of Qatar and Egypt to make all efforts to secure the release of hostages.

In other news,&nbsp;Columbia University started suspending students who were found involved in the demonstrations that have marred the campus, after the deadline given to disperse was defied.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Philippines said the China Coast Guard fired water cannon at two of its vessels, causing damage to one of them, during a patrol near a reef off the Southeast Asian country.

Click on the links to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-egypt-qatar-agree-to-exert-all-efforts-for-hostage-release-ceasefire-deal-716469">US, Egypt, Qatar to 'exert all efforts' for hostage release, ceasefire deal</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/30/428293-us-qatar-1.png?imwidth=400" />

United States President Joe Biden called on the leaders of Qatar and Egypt on Monday (April 29) to&nbsp;"exert all efforts"&nbsp;to secure the release of&nbsp;hostages&nbsp;who have been held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip so that the ceasefire deal&nbsp;is achieved, stated the White House.

<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>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/30/428281-us-campus-protests-1.png?imwidth=400" />

Columbia University, which has been the epicentre of pro-Palestinian protests that have started at various US colleges, started suspending students who were found involved in the demonstrations which have marred the campus after the deadline given to disperse was defied and unheeded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outgunned-but-not-too-late-nato-chief-says-ukraine-can-still-prevail-over-russia-716463">Outgunned, 'but not too late': NATO chief says Ukraine can still 'prevail'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/30/428288-new-wion-2024-04-30t081350117.jpg?imwidth=400" />

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday (Apr 29) expressed optimism that it was "not too late" for Ukraine to win its ongoing conflict with Russia, despite the significant challenges the war-torn nation faces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coast-guard-expels-philippine-vessels-from-scarborough-shoal-state-media-says-716496">Philippines accuses China Coast Guard of firing water cannons at vessels</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/30/428312-untitled-design-2024-04-30t094638908.png?imwidth=400" />

China's coast guard said on Tuesday (Apr 30) it barred a Philippine coast guard ship and another vessel from waters adjacent to the Scarborough Shoal, reported the Chinese state media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-faces-hostage-dilemma-truce-deal-or-rafah-assault-716468">Israel-hamas war: Netanyahu faces hostage dilemma | Truce deal or Rafah assault?</a>

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On Monday (Apr 29), the representatives from Hamas, Qatar and Egypt met in Cairo after the proposal for a second truce in Gaza was given to Hamas along with a fresh plan for release of hostages.

On Monday (Apr 29), the representatives from Hamas, Qatar and Egypt met in Cairo after the proposal for a second truce in Gaza was given to Hamas along with a fresh plan for release of hostages. US President Joe Biden called on the leaders of Qatar and Egypt to make all efforts to secure the release of hostages. In other news, Columbia University started suspending students who were found involved in the demonstrations that have marred the campus, after the deadline given to disperse was defied. Meanwhile, Philippines said the China Coast Guard fired water cannon at two of its vessels, causing damage to one of them, during a patrol near a reef off the Southeast Asian country. Click on the links to read more. US, Egypt, Qatar to 'exert all efforts' for hostage release, ceasefire deal United States President Joe Biden called on the leaders of Qatar and Egypt on Monday (April 29) to "exert all efforts" to secure the release of hostages who have been held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip so that the ceasefire deal is achieved, stated the White House. Columbia University suspends student protesters for defiance of deadline Columbia University, which has been the epicentre of pro-Palestinian protests that have started at various US colleges, started suspending students who were found involved in the demonstrations which have marred the campus after the deadline given to disperse was defied and unheeded. Outgunned, 'but not too late': NATO chief says Ukraine can still 'prevail' NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday (Apr 29) expressed optimism that it was "not too late" for Ukraine to win its ongoing conflict with Russia, despite the significant challenges the war-torn nation faces. Philippines accuses China Coast Guard of firing water cannons at vessels China's coast guard said on Tuesday (Apr 30) it barred a Philippine coast guard ship and another vessel from waters adjacent to the Scarborough Shoal, reported the Chinese state media. Israel-hamas war: Netanyahu faces hostage dilemma | Truce deal or Rafah assault? ×

Morning brief: US presses Egypt, Qatar on Gaza truce; Columbia Uni suspends protesters, and more

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken hopeful for Gaza truce deal - Biden phone calls Qatar Egypt - Columbia suspends protesters - North Korea missiles landed in Kharkiv - Four officers killed in US - Israel to send delegation to Cairo

Columbia suspends protesters | Israel to send delegation to Cairo

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