Results for: Israel

Hamas has released a propaganda video featuring American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who has been held captive for nearly 200 days. In the scripted video, Goldberg-Polin criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and pleads for his release. He also mentions the recent ceasefire and expresses his love for his family. The video marks the 200th day since Hamas’ attack on Israel, during which Goldberg-Polin was taken hostage. Despite being held underground without adequate access to water, food, or medical care, Goldberg-Polin remains defiant and calls for international action to secure his release.

Protests by pro-Palestine students have led to the arrest of 26 people at the University of Texas in Austin. The protests, which have also taken place at New York University and Columbia University, demand that their universities divest from companies supplying Israel with weapons used in its attack on Gaza. The Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, has expressed support for the arrests, stating that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in Texas and that students participating in such protests should be expelled. The arrests have been met with mixed reactions, with some condemning the authorities’ actions and others applauding their stance against hate and anti-Semitism. More information is expected to be released as the story develops.

Students at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, have joined a growing movement of college campuses across the United States in demanding that their institutions sever ties with Israel. The protests have been sparked by the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Gaza. Students at Emerson College have set up an encampment in an alleyway on campus, where they are calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the college to disclose all of its financial ties to Israel. The students have been joined by supporters from other universities, including MIT and Harvard. The protests have been peaceful, but Emerson College officials have warned students that they may face disciplinary action if they continue to violate city ordinances.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faced vehement opposition during a speech at Columbia University, where he denounced student protests against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Amidst booing crowds, Johnson defended Israel’s actions and urged President Nemat Shafik to resign if she couldn’t control the demonstrations. The speech came after Biden signed a foreign aid bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, thanks in part to Johnson’s support. However, it also highlighted Johnson’s efforts to appease hardline GOP colleagues by taking a conservative stance on the protests.

President Biden has signed a $95 billion aid package to support countries including Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bill, which also includes assistance to counter China’s military might, passed the Senate in a bipartisan vote of 79-18. Biden highlighted its importance in supporting partners’ defense against threats to their sovereignty. The initial aid package for Ukraine includes vehicles, air defense munitions, and other weapons for immediate use on the battlefield. The passage of the legislation sends a direct message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Biden, and reinforces America’s leadership in democracy and the free world.

On Wednesday afternoon, Harvard University became the latest institution to experience a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on its campus. The encampment was established by the group Harvard for Palestine, which is demanding that the university divest from companies that supply Israel. The protest is part of a larger national movement, with similar encampments being established at other universities across the country. The unrest has prompted some universities, such as Brandeis University, to extend deadlines for students to apply for transfers.

Hamas has released a propaganda/proof-of-life video of Austin Tice, an American journalist taken hostage in Syria. In the video, Tice criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. He also appeals directly to his family.

President Joe Biden has signed into law a $94 billion foreign funding bill that includes military aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. The bill, which passed in both the House and Senate with overwhelming support, provides Israel with $17 billion in additional aid despite ongoing concerns about human rights abuses in Gaza. The Biden administration has defended the aid, stating that it is necessary to help Israel defend itself against Iran. However, Palestinian rights advocates have denounced the bill, accusing the US of complicity in Israeli war crimes.

A planned student walkout to show support for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel at Eastern Regional High School has been postponed following opposition from local officials. The walkout was originally scheduled for Friday but has now been canceled after a meeting between student leaders and school administrators. A new event, a rally in support of basic human rights for those affected by the conflict, is being planned for May 20th.

Hamas has released a video of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who has been missing for over 200 days. In the video, Goldberg-Polin is seen missing his left arm below the elbow, consistent with reports that his arm was blown off while he was trying to throw grenades out of a bunker. Goldberg-Polin accuses the Israeli government of neglecting him and other hostages and says that the ongoing military campaign in Gaza has killed about 70 hostages like him. The footage is likely propaganda, intended to pressure Israel to make a deal with Hamas instead of continuing its military operations. The Israeli government believes that 33 of the remaining 129 hostages in Gaza are dead.