Israel

Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

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Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

Israeli tanks advanced into Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, while airstrikes targeted Rafah in the south. Tanks were trying to reach the heart of the camp, with tank shells and air strikes destroying houses. Israeli troops forced Palestinians in shelters to evacuate. In Rafah, heavy bombardments killed people, and the city remained a “ghost town”. Hamas fighters engaged in gun battles with Israeli forces in both areas. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 35,000, causing a humanitarian crisis. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Campus Gaza rallies may subside, but experts see possible ‘hot summer of protest’

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Campus Gaza rallies may subside, but experts see possible ‘hot summer of protest’

About a dozen students were arrested during a sit-in at a Denver college campus, but emerged from detainment to cheers from fellow pro-Palestinian protesters. The protesters are demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, university divestment from companies profiting from the war, and amnesty for disciplined or fired protesters. Academics believe that maintaining the energy of the movement once students leave campus will be a challenge, but the protests have spread across the country and to smaller universities, showing staying power. The movement may evolve or fade away, but students in Denver are committed to continuing their protests until their demands are met, even through summer break and into the fall. Police responses to protests have ignited a sense of activism in a new generation of students, and there are expectations for a summer of protest leading up to the presidential election. Michael Heaney, a lecturer in politics, believes that the protests are just one tactic in a wider movement and that they could grow if Israel’s offensive in Gaza continues. Despite the potential for the campus to become a ghost town after graduation, student protesters in Denver are determined to continue their encampment.

Banning UK arms exports to Israel would strengthen Hamas, UK’s Cameron says

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Banning UK arms exports to Israel would strengthen Hamas, UK’s Cameron says

David Cameron stated that stopping British arms sales to Israel if it launches a ground assault on Rafah in the Gaza Strip would strengthen Hamas. Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate more of the southern city as it prepares for a ground attack, despite U.S. President Joe Biden’s threat to withhold weapons. Cameron believes that Britain should not support an operation in Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. He mentioned that less than 1% of Israel’s weapons come from Britain and are controlled by a strict licensing system. Cameron suggested that changing the approach to arms exports could strengthen Hamas and make a hostage deal less likely.

A transitional period with lots to do in the garden

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A transitional period with lots to do in the garden

In May, gardens in Cyprus are filled with blooming flowers such as roses, Queen Elizabeth roses, and Texas Ranger shrubs. Fruit trees like oranges, lemons, and olives are popular in gardens, and the last month to feed them with fertilizer is May. Prunus and citrus trees are hermaphrodite and can be affected by diseases like canker. Mediterranean fruit fly is a common problem for fruit trees in Cyprus. Agapanthus and Hemerocallis are popular summer flowering plants, while Bougainvillea is a much-loved climber that grows well in dry and hot conditions. Bougainvillea is known for its brightly-colored bracts and can be challenging to prune.

Switzerland breaks the Eurovision code as Cyprus finishes 15th

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Switzerland breaks the Eurovision code as Cyprus finishes 15th

Switzerland won Eurovision 2024 in Malmo, beating Croatia. The winning song, “The Code,” was performed by Swiss rapper and singer Nemo, who expressed hope for peace and dignity. Israel’s entry faced protests due to the conflict in Gaza.

Eurovision chaos: Ireland a no-show for dress rehearsal as French act sends anti-war message [VIDEO]

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Eurovision chaos: Ireland a no-show for dress rehearsal as French act sends anti-war message [VIDEO]

Ireland, along with Greece and Switzerland, did not appear during the parade at the start of the Family Rehearsal for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Bambie Thug, representing Ireland, was absent from the stage, citing an urgent situation requiring attention from the organisers. The European Broadcasting Union is currently discussing necessary actions in response to the absence. France’s act Slimane stopped his performance midway to send a peace message, chanting “United by music yes, but for love, for peace.” The Eurovision contest has been thrust into political conflict with protests calling for Israel’s exclusion and demands for changes to Israel’s entry lyrics.

On This Day: Israel was admitted to the UN in 1949

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On This Day: Israel was admitted to the UN in 1949

On May 11, 1943, U.S. amphibious forces recaptured Attu in the Aleutians, marking the first American territory taken back from the Japanese.

Malmo braces for Eurovision final and fresh protest

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Malmo braces for Eurovision final and fresh protest

Malmo is preparing for the Eurovision grand final, amidst security threats and protests over Israel’s participation. Bookmakers predict Croatia’s Baby Lasagna and Israel’s Eden Golan as top contenders to win. The event has drawn thousands of visitors to the city, with protests from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups. Russia was banned from Eurovision in 2022, while the 26 contestants in the final include representatives from various countries. The event is seen as a way to unite people and have a good time together.

Blinken report expected to say Israel is not breaking weapons terms, Axios reports

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Blinken report expected to say Israel is not breaking weapons terms, Axios reports

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to submit a critical report to Congress on Israel’s conduct in Gaza, which does not conclude that it has violated the terms for its use of U.S. weapons. The report also reviews the use of weapons by Israel and six other countries in different armed conflicts. President Joe Biden’s national security memorandum required the State Department to report to Congress by May 8 on whether Israel is violating international humanitarian law in Gaza, but the deadline was missed. The State Department is working hard to complete the report.

Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

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Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

Israeli tanks captured the main road dividing the eastern and western halves of Rafah, encircling the entire eastern side of the city in the southern Gaza Strip. Residents reported intense fighting between Israeli forces and militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Israel ordered civilians out of the eastern half of Rafah, forcing tens of thousands to seek shelter outside the city. Israel believes there are thousands of Hamas fighters in Rafah and cannot win the war without assaulting the city. The Israeli military located tunnel shafts in eastern Rafah and fought at close quarters with Hamas fighters. Ceasefire talks broke up with no agreement to halt the fighting. Over 34,000 Gazans have been killed in the seven months of war.