Diane Abbott, Britain’s first black woman lawmaker, was barred from running as a Labour candidate in the July 4 election after being suspended for comments about Jews and racism.
The Embassy of Israel in Cyprus held a reception in Nicosia to mark the 76th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. Ambassador Oren Anolik welcomed guests from various sectors and highlighted the impact of the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023. He drew parallels between the attack and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, praising the strong bilateral relations and the successful implementation of the Amalthea Plan.
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has requested an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, causing a diplomatic dilemma for key member states who must balance support for Israel with backing the ICC’s actions. Some capitals, such as Paris, London, and Berlin, were informed beforehand about the plans, but many have not disclosed how they will respond if warrants are issued. Germany, in particular, faces challenges due to its support for Israel’s security and the ICC prosecutor’s independence. U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have criticized the move, while European countries like Britain and Italy are divided over the issue. The ICC has jurisdiction over the conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 7, 2022, despite Israel not being a member of the court. The international community’s response to the arrest warrants will be crucial for the ICC’s credibility and the rule of law.
Marina Satti from Greece advanced to the Eurovision Grand Final with her song “ZARI” after a captivating performance.
Biden is facing criticism from both left and right factions for his Israel policy, as campus protests against the war in Gaza escalate. Despite concerns that the protests could impact his chances in the upcoming election, the White House has focused on rolling out youth-friendly policies, such as student loan relief and marijuana reform. Republicans have used the protests to criticize Democrats, while some warn that young voters may desert Biden over his stance on Israel.
Larry Kudlow asserted that President Biden’s tax policies are part of “racial warfare against white folks” and criticized the push for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Biden’s proposed tax policies include raising the capital gains tax, which Kudlow believes unfairly targets white people who disproportionately hold assets. Kudlow argued that these policies are antithetical to traditional American values and will harm the economy. Biden has also proposed a 25 percent minimum income tax on those worth at least 0 million and raising the corporate tax rate.
Some senior U.S. officials do not find Israel’s assurances about using U.S.-supplied weapons in line with international humanitarian law credible or reliable. The State Department is divided on this issue, with some expressing concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. The department must report to Congress by May 8 on the credibility of Israel’s assurances. Israel’s military conduct in Gaza has raised questions about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Biden has the option to suspend or put conditions on U.S. weapons transfers to Israel if needed.
Students at Columbia University set up a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on campus, inspired by a course called “Columbia 1968” about past protests. The encampment led to arrests and suspensions by the school administration, but protesters continue to demand divestment from companies supporting Israel. The protests have drawn support from various groups and have sparked debates and activities on campus. Despite criticism, students remain committed to their cause.
Columbia University students agreed to take down a significant number of tents set up on the school’s main campus as part of a protest against Israel’s incursion into Gaza. The university agreed to extend the deadline for the encampment to be dismantled, citing significant progress in negotiations. The protesters had demanded disclosure and divestment of financial holdings supporting the war in Gaza and amnesty for suspended students. Columbia also required that non-affiliated individuals leave campus and that all activities comply with fire safety rules.
Dozens of people were taken into custody during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Yale University. More than 40 people were apprehended by police as they blocked traffic around Yale’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut, demanding the school divest from military weapons manufacturers. The protests at Yale and Columbia were in response to the latest escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which began on Oct. 7. The Columbia University president canceled in-person classes to deescalate tensions on its New York campus following the arrest of over 100 protesters who disrupted school activities. President Joe Biden has put the full force of the federal government behind protecting the Jewish community. Student organizers from the Columbia University encampment responded to claims of antisemitism in the pro-Palestinian protests, stating that some individuals did not represent their movement.