Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, stirred controversy by characterizing Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel in October 2023 as a ‘military operation’ rather than a ‘terror attack’. He drew comparisons to historical resistance movements, highlighting the complex historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His statements, however, sparked criticism and fueled debate over the legitimacy of Hamas’s actions.
US President Joe Biden has called for an end to the Israel-Hamas war amid reports of recovered bodies in Gaza, including that of an Israeli-American hostage. He expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement and condemned the actions of Hamas. The families of hostages have called for protests, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of failing to secure their release.
Ben Sasse, former Nebraska Senator and President of the University of Florida, announced his resignation to focus on his family. He cited his wife’s epilepsy and memory issues as the reason for his decision, stating that his family needs him to be more present. Sasse also took the opportunity to address the recent protests on college campuses regarding the Israel-Hamas war, criticizing the groups blaming Israel for the attacks.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman, facing a tough primary challenge, drew criticism for his profanity-laced rant at a rally, where he accused AIPAC of using U.S. tax dollars to kill innocent people in Gaza. Fellow progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also drew attention for her enthusiastic support, including shouting over sexually explicit lyrics from Cardi B.
Republican senators, including Tom Cotton, have criticized President Biden for vowing to withhold weapons from Israel amid its conflict with Hamas. Cotton claims that the war could have ended sooner under former President Trump, who would have provided Israel with the necessary support. The senator also renewed his call to impeach Biden, alleging that the delayed aid shipment was politically motivated.
Over 100 people were arrested last week at Columbia University’s campus where students protested against the Israel-Hamas war. Similar encampments and protests have since sprouted up at universities like UC Berkeley, Cal Poly Humboldt, UCLA, Harvard, USC, Yale, NYU, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Texas at Austin. Student activists are demanding an end to US military aid to Israel, a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, and for their universities to sign on to the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement.
Protests against the Israel-Hamas war have spread to college campuses across the United States, leading to the arrest of dozens of students and the cancellation of graduation ceremonies. Some universities have called in police to break up the demonstrations, while others have taken a more hands-off approach. The protests have raised concerns about antisemitism and the ability of universities to embrace different perspectives without allowing hate speech or violence.
As graduations approach, student protesters have escalated their demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war on campuses nationwide. Universities have swiftly responded by calling in law enforcement to quell the protests, resulting in multiple arrests. At Emerson College in Boston, 108 people were arrested and four police officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The University of Southern California saw 93 arrests during a Wednesday night protest. Columbia University students have erected an encampment in defiance of university attempts to clear it, leading to negotiations and further arrests. At the University of Texas at Austin, dozens were detained as tensions escalated over the cancellation of a pro-Palestinian speech. Amid the protests, some Jewish students have expressed concern over antisemitic undertones and fear for their safety on campus. Universities have adopted a heavier hand in response, with Harvard University restricting access to campus grounds and New York University arresting over 133 protesters.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik’s handling of student protests over the Israel-Hamas war has drawn criticism from multiple fronts. Shafik’s decision to call in the New York City police, leading to the arrest of over 100 protesters, has only further motivated demonstrators and inspired students at other campuses nationwide. Shafik’s actions have also drawn the ire of the Columbia chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), which has accused her of capitulating to lawmakers’ demands and making “slanderous assaults” on faculty and students. Republicans in New York’s delegation to the U.S. House have also called for Shafik’s resignation, claiming she has failed to provide a safe learning environment on campus.
On Thursday, a memorial will be held at the National Cathedral in Washington to pay tribute and honor the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers who lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza earlier this month. Celebrity chef and philanthropist José Andrés, who founded the organization, will speak at the event, while renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform. Notably, Douglas Emhoff, the spouse of Vice President Kamala Harris, and U.S. Assistant Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will be among the high-profile attendees.
