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☆ Live updates: Israel-Hamas war, looming Rafah invasion, Gaza devastation
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Joe Biden delivers remarks on May 8, in Sturtevant, Wis. on May 8. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci/APPresident Joe Biden said he would halt some shipments of US weapons to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah. “Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they go after population centers,” Biden told CNN’s Erin Burnett in an exclusive interview, referring to 2,000-pound bombs that Biden paused shipments of last week. Biden's comments echo global alarm mounting over Israel's moves in Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians have fled and Hamas is believed to have regrouped after Israel’s destruction of much of the strip’s north. The Israeli military's operation in Rafah has expanded from airstrikes to ground operations, which include bulldozing, new satellite imagery obtained by CNN from Planet Labs shows.

Persons: Joe Biden, Evan Vucci, Benjamin Netanyahu, ” Biden, CNN’s Erin Burnett Organizations: Biden, CNN, Planet Labs Locations: Sturtevant, Wis, Israel, Rafah, Gaza, Israeli

☆ Campus Protesters Are Demanding Colleges Divest From Israel. That Is Intellectually Impossible. - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Gary Sernovitz | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest” is a frequent chant ringing through pro-Palestinian college protests. A proposal Columbia students put forward in December calls for divestment from Microsoft, Airbnb, Amazon and Alphabet, among others. Administrators at some universities, including Brown and Northwestern, have agreed to talks with students about divestment as part of agreements to end campus encampments. Before the war in Gaza, it had been pretty easy for universities to make compromises around divestment demands, but those expedient choices are haunting them now. Every investment in elite schools’ endowments is up for debate.

Persons: Airbnb, Brown, “, ” Organizations: Hamas, Columbia, Microsoft, West Bank, University of Michigan Regents Locations: Israel, Columbia, Northwestern, Gaza

“They have chased down Jewish students. They have screamed at those who bear the Star of David.”Former President Donald J. Trump chimed in. Jewish students have been shouted at to return to Poland, where Nazis killed three million Jews during the Holocaust. There are chants and signs in support of Hamas, whose attack on Israel sparked the current war. A leader of the Columbia protests declared in a video that “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”

Persons: Mike Johnson, ”, jeers, David . ”, Donald J, Biden, “, Israel, don’t Organizations: Columbia University, Trump, Truth, Republicans, Columbia Locations: Gaza, Poland, Israel

☆ Middle East Crisis Biden Says the U.S. Will Not Supply Israel With Weapons to Attack Rafah
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Erica L. Green | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

President Biden acknowledged on Wednesday that American bombs have been used to kill Palestinian civilians as he warned that the United States would withhold certain weapons if Israel launches a long-threatened assault in southern Gaza. “If they go into Rafah, I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used historically to deal with Rafah, to deal with the cities, that deal with that problem,” Mr. Biden said in an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett. Mr. Biden had resisted earlier calls to condition aid to Israel. Mr. Biden said he had made it clear to Mr. Netanyahu and his war cabinet that they would not get support if they moved forward with an offensive in densely populated areas. Asked if he hears the message of those young Americans, Mr. Biden said:“Absolutely, I hear the message.”

Persons: Biden, ”, Mr, CNN’s Erin Burnett, We’re, we’re, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, “, Netanyahu, Joe ” — Organizations: U.S, Hamas Locations: Rafah, United, Israel, Gaza, United States, Iran, I’m, East, ”, Egypt

☆ Biden’s threat to halt weapons deliveries sparks anger and infighting among Israeli officials
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Ivana Kottasová | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The comment from Biden to CNN is a major setback for Israel’s war. The US is by far Israel’s most important and most powerful ally, and without its support, Israel’s firepower and ambitions in Gaza would be weakened. Despite mounting international pressure, the Biden administration has stood firmly with Israel, delivering weapons and other forms of support. Biden comments have sparked significant anger among some Israeli politicians. Other top Israeli officials also criticized Ben Gvir.

Persons: Joe Biden’s, Biden, CNN’s Erin Burnett, Gilad Erdan, Benjamin Netanyahu, ”, Netanyahu, Miki Zohar, Itamar Ben Gvir, Hamas ❤️ Biden, Isaac Herzog, Ben Gvir, Yair Lapid, Merav Michaeli, “ Netanyahu Organizations: CNN, United Nations, Likud, Twitter, National Security, Hamas, Yesh, IDF, Israeli Labor Party Locations: United States, Israel, Rafah, Gaza, State

☆ Oil rises on U.S. crude storage draw, Fed rate cut hopes
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

An oil pump jack at the New Harmony Oil Field in Grayville, Illinois, US, on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Oil prices rose in early trade on Thursday as shrinking U.S. crude inventories signaled tighter supply, and amid rising hopes that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates by the end of the year. Crude inventories dropped last week by 1.4 million barrels to 459.5 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration, more than analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.1 million-barrel draw as refinery activity increased. Increasing expectations that the U.S. central bank will cut interest rates by year end after weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data also boosted oil prices. Lower interest rates can increase spending on crude oil.

Organizations: New Harmony Oil, Federal Reserve, Brent, . West Texas, Energy Information Administration, EIA Locations: Grayville , Illinois, U.S, Gaza, Israel

But the cameras stopped rolling when Walid al-Omari, the network’s bureau chief in Ramallah, in the West Bank, ordered all of them to go home. Israeli authorities descended on a room used by Al Jazeera in the Ambassador Hotel in East Jerusalem, confiscating broadcast equipment. Al Jazeera, the influential Arab news network, says it will continue reporting and broadcasting from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The shutdown order, which lasts 45 days and can be renewed, was a break long in the making. Mr. al-Omari said that soon after the Israel-Hamas war began in October, the network stopped using an office in West Jerusalem, saying that far-right Israelis had used intimidation tactics against the staff there.

Persons: Al, Walid al, Al Jazeera, Omari Organizations: West Bank, Al, Gaza, Hamas Locations: Israel, Al Jazeera, West Jerusalem, East Jerusalem, Lebanon, Tel Aviv, Ramallah

☆ Live updates: Israel-Hamas war, Rafah crossing, bombings, Gaza ceasefire deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Displaced Palestinians are arriving in Khan Yunis with their belongings after leaving Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip due to an evacuation order by the Israeli army, in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on May 7. Majdi Fathi/NURPHO/APThe United States paused a shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over their potential use in a Rafah incursion, according to a US official. The shipment, which was held back last week, includes 1,800 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds and 1,700 bombs weighing 500 pounds. CNN reported over the weekend that one shipment of ammunition to Israel had been paused, but the reason was unclear. Israeli leaders have warned for weeks that an invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah will occur at some point in the future, even as the US and others have publicly stated that such a ground operation should not occur.

Persons: Majdi, Biden Organizations: United, CNN Locations: Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza, Israel

CNN —Israel’s attack in the southern Gaza city of Rafah has expanded from airstrikes to ground operations, new satellite images obtained by CNN from Planet Labs show. Satellite images suggest these strikes are continuing, with one picture showing smoke still rising from one location. Palestinians arrive at Al Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah, Gaza, after Israeli air strikes on May 8. Planet Labs, PBC Satellite images from May 6 and May 7 show damage in Rafah, Gaza. Planet Labs, PBC Satellite images show Rafah, Gaza, before and during an airstrike.

Persons: CNN —, Israel, Tal, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gazans, “, Jens Laerke Organizations: CNN, Planet Labs, Israel Defense Forces, IDF, Al Kuwaiti, Al, PBC, ”, 401st Brigade Combat, Hamas, Food Locations: Gaza, Rafah, Egypt, Al Kuwaiti, Tal Al Sultan, ”, Geneva . Northern Gaza

☆ Israeli and Hamas Negotiators Are in Cairo Under Pressure for Cease-Fire
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Isabel Kershner | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

The Israeli ground-and-air operation in the eastern part of Rafah on Tuesday further hampered the area’s struggling medical system. Fearing a raid by Israeli forces, like those that have been carried out at hospitals across Gaza, the medical staff at al-Najjar rushed to relocate more than 200 patients. But even during the scramble to evacuate the hospital, Israeli airstrikes on Rafah continued. The Israeli military’s actions also immediately limited access to more basic health services across Rafah. That delegation was also supposed to deliver the salaries of the aid group’s medical workers in Rafah — cash they desperately needed to secure housing and transportation during the chaotic evacuation.

Persons: Abu Yousef al, ” Dr, Marwan al, Najjar, Khan Younis, Hams, ”, Israel, —, Chessa Latifi, Hatem Khaled, Kamal Adwan, “ We’ve, ” Ms, Latifi, Dr, John Kahler, MedGlobal, Kahler Organizations: Najjar, Hams, European Hospital, International Medical Corps, HOPE, ., Project HOPE, Kamal Adwan Hospital, Health, Awda Locations: Rafah, Gaza, Israeli, Israel, Khan, al, U.S, Gaza City, Cairo

☆ With a Gaza Cease-Fire in the Balance, Netanyahu Maneuvers to Keep Power
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, is known as a man who likes to play for time and postpone big decisions. But he may not be able to do that much longer. Domestically, his coalition partners on the far right threaten to break up the government if he agrees to a cease-fire and does not try to clear Hamas out of Rafah, in southern Gaza. Militarily, the strategic logic is to complete the dismantling of Hamas by taking Rafah and controlling the border with Egypt. But diplomatically, his allies, especially the United States, are pushing him to agree on a cease-fire, and skip Rafah and the potential civilian casualties a large-scale operation would cause.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Locations: Rafah, Gaza, Egypt, United States

If and when Israel and Hamas reach a deal for a cease-fire, the United States will immediately turn to a different set of negotiations over a grand diplomatic bargain that it believes could rebuild Gaza and remake the Middle East. Michael Crowley, who covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The Times, explains why those involved in this plan believe they have so little time left to get it done.

Persons: Michael Crowley Organizations: Hamas, State Department, The Times Locations: Israel, United States, Gaza

☆ House Republicans to Examine K-12 Schools in Latest Antisemitism Hearing
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Dana Goldstein | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

House Republicans will hold a hearing on Wednesday morning looking for the first time into accusations of antisemitism in elementary and secondary schools since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. District leaders from three politically liberal regions across the country — New York City, Berkeley, Calif., and Montgomery County, Md. — are expected to testify before members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. The House, which is controlled by Republicans, has already held two contentious hearings on antisemitism in higher education, which helped lead to the toppling of Claudine Gay, Harvard’s president, and M. Elizabeth Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania. But the district leaders — David Banks, chancellor of New York City schools; Enikia Ford Morthel, superintendent of Berkeley schools; and Karla Silvestre, the school board president in Montgomery County — face different issues than college leaders.

Persons: —, Claudine Gay, Elizabeth Magill, David Banks, Enikia Ford Morthel, Karla Silvestre Organizations: Hamas, Education, Workforce, Republicans, University of Pennsylvania, New Locations: Israel, York City, Berkeley, Calif, Montgomery County, Md, New York City

☆ Israel and Hamas are pushing forward with tense cease-fire talks despite Israel's military incursion into Rafah
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Israel and Hamas are engaged in tense cease-fire talks despite fighting in Rafah. Israel wants to keep its right to conduct more operations in Gaza, an analyst told Al-Jazeera. AdvertisementCease-fire talks to end the fighting in Gaza are still taking place in the background, despite Israel's military incursion into Rafah. The IDF's ongoing military operation comes as Israel and Hamas are engaged in tense talks to broker a cease-fire deal. This could lead to Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, losing power and an investigation into how Hamas' October 7 terrorist attacks were allowed to happen on his watch, he said.

Persons: Netanyahu, —, Nadav Shoshani, Shoshani, Al Jazeera, Benjamin Netanyahu, didn't, Ismail Haniyeh, Israel, Mairav, Yossi Mekelberg, Israel's, Mekelberg Organizations: Al, Service, The New York Times, Israel Defense Forces, Business, Sky, Crisis Group, Chatham House's, North Africa, International Court of Locations: Israel, Rafah, Gaza, Cairo, Egypt, Qatar, East

☆ Biden Says the U.S. Will Not Supply Israel With Weapons to Attack Rafah
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Erica L. Green | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

President Biden acknowledged on Wednesday that American bombs have been used to kill Palestinian civilians as he warned that the United States would withhold certain weapons if Israel launches a long-threatened assault in southern Gaza. In some of his strongest language to date on the seven-month war, Mr. Biden said the United States would still ensure Israel’s security, including the Iron Dome missile defense system and Israel’s “ability to respond to attacks” like the one Iran launched in April. But he said he would block the delivery of weapons that could be fired into densely populated areas of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering. The president had already halted the shipment of 3,500 bombs last week out of concern that they might be used in a major assault on Rafah — the first time since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 that Mr. Biden has leveraged U.S. arms to try to influence how the war is waged.

Persons: Biden, ” Locations: United, Israel, Gaza, United States, Iran, Rafah

☆ Opinion | Young Voters Aren’t Happy With Biden. But Will They Abandon Him?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Charles M. Blow | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Are many young people distressed about the war in Gaza? Of the 16 issues the poll asked 18- to 29-year-olds about, those two were ranked last in importance, behind issues such as inflation, immigration, housing and protecting democracy. Indeed, as The Gazette noted, when it comes to the relationship between Biden and young voters, “It’s complicated.”People watching student protests spread across college campuses in recent weeks might be surprised by that notion, but it’s important to remember that reactions to the protests can work in different ways. I believe in students’ right to protest — peacefully — even as I acknowledge that protests are often imperfect, and the actions of some who protest are regrettable. I also understand that protesting students are only a fraction of all students, and students are only a fraction of all young voters.

Persons: Biden’s, Biden, “, — Organizations: Harvard, Harvard Gazette, Gazette Locations: Gaza, Israel

☆ Macklemore criticizes Biden in new song supporting pro-Palestinian student protests
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Scottie Andrew | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Across the US, pro-Palestinian protesters have been occupying lawns and buildings on campuses, and many are requesting that their universities divest from Israel. Nic Antaya/Getty Images Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on the New York University campus in New York on Friday, May 3. Before police were deployed to campus, pro-Palestinian protesters and Israel supporters were clashing at the school , according to multiple reports. Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images Columbia University students gather for a picket organized by the Student Workers Union (UAW Local 2710) on Monday, April 29. Stefan Jeremiah/AP Israeli flags are reflected in the sunglasses of a demonstrator in front of Columbia University on April 22.

Persons: Macklemore, Joe Biden, ” Macklemore, Donald Trump, Columbia’s Hamilton, Hind Rajab, Hind, who’ve, ”, He’s, Biden, Jon Batiste, Selena Gomez, Annie Lennox, “, Melissa Overton, Nic Antaya, Seth Harrison, Jenny Kane, Chip Somodevilla, Mathieu Lewis, Rolland, Craig Hudson, Emma, Roberto Schmidt, Etienne Laurent, Mike Blake, Spencer Platt, Frederic J . Brown, Caitlin Ochs, David Dee Delgado, Charly Triballeau, Kena Betancur, Seyma, Alex Kent, Joseph Prezioso, Suzanne Cordeiro, Diane Handal, Cliff Owen, Qian Weizhong, Mike Stewart, Sarah Reingewirtz, Jay Janner, Brandon Bell, Brian Snyder, Mike Johnson, Timothy A, Clary, Matthew Hatcher, Nuri Vallbona, Jordan Vonderhaar, Zaydee Sanchez, Cameron Jones, Stephanie Keith, Andres Kudacki, Tayfun, Joe Buglewicz, Fatih Aktas, Michael M, Mary Altaffer, Scott Eisen, Columbia's, Stefan Jeremiah, Selcuk, Seattle concertgoers, Seth Rogen Organizations: CNN, Columbia University, Biden, University of California, University of Arizona, Dua Lipa, Scottish, United Nations Relief, Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, Hamas, Protesters, University of Michigan's, New York University, Westchester County Journal, USA, Network Police, Portland State University, AP, George Washington University, Getty, The George Washington University, Israel, AFP, Police, UCLA, Reuters, Fordham, Lincoln Center, Getty Images Police, Hamilton, Reuters Police, Columbia, The City College of New, Getty Images, Columbia Students, Justice, Hamilton Hall, Brown University, Getty Images Columbia University, Student Workers Union, UAW, University of Texas, Low, Sunday, Rueters Georgia State Patrol, Emory University, MediaNews, Los Angeles Daily News, Austin Statesman, Network, Austin, University, Emerson College, Swarthmore College, Bloomberg, University of Southern, Reuters New York, Reuters Columbia, New York Times, Sproul Hall, Yale University, University police, York University, The New School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Library, Seattle, Trump Locations: Gaza, Israel, University of California Los Angeles, Palestine, Dua, Ann Arbor , Michigan, New York, Westchester, Portland , Oregon, Washington ,, Portland, The, Los Angeles, AFP, The City College of New York, Columbia, Columbia's, Providence , Rhode Island, Texas, Austin, New, Rueters Georgia, Atlanta, Getty Images Texas, Boston, Swarthmore , Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Berkeley, Sproul, Anadolu, New Haven , Connecticut, Cambridge, Washington

☆ Gen. Mark Milley on Israel-Hamas war: Israel has every right to defend itself
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailGen. Mark Milley on Israel-Hamas war: Israel has every right to defend itselfCNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin reports on the remarks from former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley at the Ash Carter Exchange on Innovation and National Security in Washington D.C.

Persons: Mark Milley, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Ash Carter Organizations: Joint Chiefs, Ash, Ash Carter Exchange, Innovation, National Security Locations: Israel, Washington

☆ The U.S. Increased Its Pressure on Israel to Reach a Truce
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Matthew Cullen | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The visit came only hours after the White House confirmed that it was withholding some military aid from Israel. Together, the moves are among President Biden’s most significant attempts to limit Israel’s military operation in the Gazan city of Rafah and ratchet down the Israel-Hamas war. The U.S. defense secretary publicly linked the withheld shipment to Israel’s long-threatened ground invasion of Rafah, which American officials worry could lead to a humanitarian disaster. Israeli officials have downplayed the disagreement and said they are continuing to negotiate on a potential cease-fire. But experts suggested that the hold was a warning from Biden that he was willing to use U.S. aid as leverage if the Israeli military presses farther into Rafah.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden’s, Biden Organizations: Biden, White House Locations: U.S, Gaza, Israel, Gazan, Rafah, Egypt

☆ Hamas signaling desire to continue cease-fire talks in Cairo: Professor
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHamas signaling desire to continue cease-fire talks in Cairo: ProfessorKarim Haggag, a former Egyptian diplomat and professor of practice at American University in Cairo, says that's "despite the Israeli incursion into Rafah."

Persons: Karim Haggag, that's Organizations: American University Locations: Cairo, Egyptian, Rafah

☆ Live Updates: House Examining K-12 Schools in Latest Antisemitism Hearing
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Dana Goldstein | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

He can expect a grilling over concerns of antisemitism at city schools, including at his alma mater, Hillcrest High School in Queens. “That’s not an issue of taking sides,” Mr. Banks said. New York City is one of the most diverse school districts in the world with large number of Jewish, Arab and Muslim families. Mr. Banks, who has twice traveled to Israel, added that he was “profoundly moved” on a visit to Yad Vashem, the country’s official Holocaust memorial. After watching university leaders at the two prior hearings on antisemitism, Mr. Banks said his greatest takeaway was simply to be authentic.

Persons: David Banks, “ we’ve, ” David C, Banks, Claudine Gay, Liz Magill, Nemat, ”, “ That’s, “, we’ve, Yad Vashem, I’m Organizations: New, Columbia University, House Education, Work Force, Hillcrest High School, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, New York, Muslim Locations: New York City, —, Israel, Queens, America, Gaza, Yad, New York

☆ Young Michigan voters reveal deepening political problems for Biden seven months after start of Israel-Hamas war
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( John King | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

“All roads to the White House go through Michigan,” Gray said. “Michigan is up for grabs, and I did not think I would be saying this right now. “And that starts with calling for a cease fire, for listening to his student voters across the country.”A sign in the encampment at the University of Michigan in May 2024. Younger voters were critical to Biden returning Michigan to the blue column in 2020; exit polling showed Biden winning 61% of voters aged 18-29, to just 37% for Donald Trump. Both hope a break from campus protests and demonstrations will give younger voters time and space to see a bigger picture.

Persons: Ann, Jade Gray, ” Gray, ”, Gray, Jalisatgi, Joe Biden, “ Joe Biden, CNN Jalisatgi, Biden, Donald Trump, Matkin, “ I’d, Summer Matkin, John King, Taylor Swift, ” Matkin, Trump, “ I’ve, Maya Siegmann, Siegmann, “, …, Siegmman, Hillel, ” Siegmann, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ibrahim Ghazal, Ghazal, ” Ghazal, ” Ibrahim Ghazal, CNN Ghazal, I’m, Who’s, ” Jalisatgi Organizations: Ann Arbor , Michigan CNN, University of Michigan Student Union, College Democrats, University of Michigan, CNN, Biden, Younger, Michigan Democrats, Wayne State, Trump, Wayne, CNN Wayne State, Hillel, Jewish, Israel, Democratic, GOP, New University of Michigan, Jalisatgi, University of Michigan’s, Supreme Locations: Ann Arbor , Michigan, Gaza, Michigan, “ Michigan, Israel, Detroit, Palestine, Wayne State, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Hamtramck, Missouri

☆ Opinion | Israel’s Rafah Incursion Helps No One Except Netanyahu
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Shira Efron | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Three days after it began, Israel’s operation in Rafah looks like a microcosm of its seven-month-long fight in Gaza: an attempt to check a tactical box rather than a strategic move with a definitive goal in the fight against Hamas. As a limited incursion, it could be the least of Israel’s bad options, and even prove successful if it helps achieve a more favorable hostage deal or a cease-fire agreement. However, judging by the war’s conduct to date, it’s more likely that the operation will, in the end, backfire. Taking the crossing also removes Hamas control over a lifeline to the outside world and an international border — a strong symbol of sovereignty. In addition, Israel hopes that the operation will pressure Hamas to agree to a better hostage deal, which would bring about the return at least initially of all living women, elderly and injured men.

Persons: Israel Organizations: Israel Defense Forces Locations: Rafah, Gaza, Egypt

☆ Live Updates: House to Examine K-12 Schools in Latest Antisemitism Hearing
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Dana Goldstein | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

☆ The Campus Protests, the Democrats, and the Election - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( David Wallace-Wells | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

The colleges had a choice; in most places, they chose to escalate. By May 2, according to The Appeal, a nonprofit criminal-justice news site, there were at least 100 encampments in nearly 40 states, and more than 2,000 protesters had been arrested. In proudly defending the mass arrests in New York, Mayor Eric Adams did not focus on trespassing or the disruption to campus life. What he emphasized instead was the urgent need to literally police an ideological threat. It is also a case study in the dynamics of escalation, and I’d like to emphasize three stories, each related, that may help explain the pattern.

Persons: Eric Adams, ” Organizations: Indiana University, University of Virginia, University of Texas, Columbia, New York City, Hamilton Hall, United Locations: U.C.L.A, Austin, New York, United States, Israel, Gaza

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