A Moroccan asylum seeker, Ahmed Alid, has been convicted of murdering a pensioner in England in a rampage motivated by the conflict in Gaza. Alid stabbed the victim six times in the chest after a chance meeting on the street, eight days after Hamas terrorists launched an offensive against Israel. He also attacked his housemate and two police officers, shouting “Allahu Akbar”. The 45-year-old will be sentenced on May 17.
Otaz Azaiza, a Palestinian photojournalist featured in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, discussed the importance of raising awareness about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the need to protect journalists. He spoke about his visits to university campuses where students have established Gaza solidarity encampments, highlighting the importance of education and understanding. Azaiza emphasized the suffering and loss of life in Gaza, including the deaths of over 100 journalists, and urged people to recognize the humanity of the Palestinian people and their struggle for freedom.
University authorities across the United States are cracking down on anti-Israel student encampments and protests in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Police have forcibly removed protesters at several campuses, including Princeton University, Boston’s Emerson College, and the University of Southern California, leading to arrests and heightened tensions. While some students argue that these protests are a legitimate expression of support for Palestine, others, including Jewish students, have raised concerns about anti-Semitism and intimidation on campus. The Biden administration has denounced anti-Semitism but emphasized the importance of freedom of expression. The crackdown on these protests highlights the ongoing tensions and polarizing nature of the conflict between Israel and Palestine on US campuses.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has expressed willingness to disarm if a two-state solution is implemented. The offer comes amidst international pressure for a ceasefire deal following the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While Hamas remains committed to the goal of destroying Israel, they see the two-state solution as a possible path to a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah have killed at least five people, including two children aged six and eight. The strikes also injured several others and caused widespread damage to infrastructure in the densely populated area. Palestinian officials have condemned the attacks as a violation of international law, while Israel claims they were necessary to target Hamas militants.
Student protests against the ongoing conflict in Gaza have escalated across the United States, leading to the establishment of encampments at several universities and a tense standoff between demonstrators and administrators. Protesters are demanding a ceasefire, an end to US military aid for Israel, and the divestment from companies profiting from the war. The largest demonstration is taking place at Columbia University in New York City, where police have arrested over 100 protesters and the university president has called for the dismantling of the encampment. Critics of the protests have accused some demonstrators of antisemitism, while civil rights advocates have raised concerns about free speech violations. The protests have sparked debate about the role of universities in supporting free speech and protecting students.
As Israeli military operations continue in northern Gaza, Palestinian civilians are being forced to evacuate their homes due to intense shelling. The targeted areas include northern Gaza, parts of which were previously vacated by Israeli troops. The Israeli military has stated that it is targeting terrorist infrastructure and elements in the area. In the past 24 hours, 79 Palestinians have reportedly been killed and 86 injured. Residents in northern Gaza and Gaza City suburbs have reported heavy bombardment.
Israeli aircraft launched strikes against Hamas rocket launchers located in a humanitarian zone within southern Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the launchers were loaded and posed an imminent threat, located a mere 15 meters from a nearby shelter tent.
To minimize civilian casualties, the IDF implemented measures before executing the strike. No reports of civilian casualties emerged, as warnings were issued in advance.
Additionally, Israeli aircraft targeted over 50 military sites in the Gaza Strip, including an operational tunnel shaft. Hamas terrorists were also neutralized in central Gaza via tank fire.
The escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas have resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 240 hostages since October 7th. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with further repercussions expected.
In an interview with a U.S. network, Pope Francis expressed his deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Emphasizing the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions, he urged warring nations to cease hostilities and engage in negotiations to end the bloodshed. The Pope condemned the devastating impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians in Gaza, highlighting the food scarcity and humanitarian crisis faced by its residents. He revealed that he had been in regular contact with contacts in Gaza, who informed him of the dire situation on the ground. Pope Francis also addressed the toll that the prolonged conflict in Ukraine has taken on children, expressing concern that they had lost the ability to smile due to the trauma they had endured. He appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and pursue peaceful negotiations.
A Hamas spokesperson has expressed support for pro-Palestinian protests at US universities, condemning efforts to crack down on them. The protests have sparked controversy, with both supporters and detractors expressing outrage. The White House has urged peaceful protest while condemning violence and antisemitism. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has compared the protests to Nazi Germany, while Iranian President Raisi has accused Western powers of hypocrisy in their response.
