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Israel, officially State of Israel, Country, Middle East, at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. Area (excludes the West Bank and Gaza Strip): 8,522 sq mi (22,072 sq km). Population (2024 est.) 9,177,000 (excludes Israelis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip).
Oil prices fall on Mideast ceasefire hopes
Reuters Videos2 hours agoSTORY: The conflict in Gaza has rocked oil markets, sending prices higher. Traders have feared an unpredictable escalation, potentially hitting supplies in the region. On Wednesday, however, there were signs of those concerns easing. U.S. and international oil prices fell on growing hopes for a ceasefire. That follows a renewed push by Egypt to revive talks between Israel and militant group Hamas, which runs Gaza. Benchmark crude prices fell over 1% in early European trade in response, down for a third straight day. Other factors also weighed on the market. New figures showed a rise in U.S. oil stocks, defying forecasts for a fall. The country also saw its biggest monthly increase in production for over three years. Keeping oil from slipping any further was a Reuters survey pointing to a fall in output from OPEC nations. That reflects lower exports from Iran, Iraq and Nigeria. Back in January, the oil producing group of nations and allies agreed voluntary cuts to output in a bid to prop up prices.
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- 01:11Oil prices fall on Mideast ceasefire hopesReuters VideosSTORY: The conflict in Gaza has rocked oil markets, sending prices higher. Traders have feared an unpredictable escalation, potentially hitting supplies in the region. On Wednesday, however, there were signs of those concerns easing. U.S. and international oil prices fell on growing hopes for a ceasefire. That follows a renewed push by Egypt to revive talks between Israel and militant group Hamas, which runs Gaza. Benchmark crude prices fell over 1% in early European trade in response, down for a third straight day. Other factors also weighed on the market. New figures showed a rise in U.S. oil stocks, defying forecasts for a fall. The country also saw its biggest monthly increase in production for over three years. Keeping oil from slipping any further was a Reuters survey pointing to a fall in output from OPEC nations. That reflects lower exports from Iran, Iraq and Nigeria. Back in January, the oil producing group of nations and allies agreed voluntary cuts to output in a bid to prop up prices.2 hours ago
- 02:22Police raid Columbia University and arrest protestersReuters VideosSTORY: New York City police raided Columbia University and arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators late on Tuesday. Groups of helmeted police marched into the elite university’s campus around 9 p.m. to remove a protest camp that the school has tried to dismantle for nearly two weeks. Some of the students had also seized Hamilton Hall, an academic building and a line of officers climbed into the second story using a police vehicle with a ladder. The NYPD released video of the raid on X, with a statement saying the school had requested assistance to 'take back their campus.' Shortly after officers had moved in, Columbia University President Minouche Safik requested that police stay on campus until at least May 17, two days after graduation, saying in a letter it was, 'to maintain order and ensure that encampments are not re-established'. Protesters say they have three demands from Columbia: Divesting from companies supporting Israel’s government, greater transparency in university finances, and amnesty for students and faculty disciplined over the protests. This week, Safik said Columbia would not divest from finances in Israel, but offered to invest in health and education in Gaza and also make Columbia’s holdings more transparent. Hours before the police entered the school, city officials claimed 'external actors' were provoking an escalation of the protests. New York City Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban: "We are seeing the tactics changing in a way that's endangering public safety. These once peaceful protests are being exploited by professional outside agitators and the safety of all students, faculty and staff are now a concern." One student protest leader Mahmoud Khalil has disputed the idea that outsiders led the occupation. Columbia has been the focal point of a wave of protests across the United States. More broadly, the October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza, and the ensuing Israeli offensive on Gaza, have unleashed the biggest surge in American student activism since 2020’s anti-racism protests. Counter-protesters have accused demonstrators of fomenting anti-Jewish hatred. While the pro-Palestinian side say they are being unfairly branded as antisemetic for criticizing Israel’s government.2 hours ago
- 00:55Clashes during protests in Los Angeles on the campus of UCLAAssociated Press VideosA crowd of people clashed during a protest in Los Angeles on the campus of UCLA in the latest escalation of demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war that have spread to college campuses nationwide.3 hours ago
- 01:17Israel's increasing worries about the International Criminal Court, AP explainsAssociated Press VideosIsraeli officials sound increasingly concerned that the International Criminal Court (ICC) could issue arrest warrants for the country’s leaders more than six months into the Israel-Hamas war. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday the ICC was "contemplating issuing arrest warrants against senior Israeli government and military officials as war criminals." The Associated Press' Joe Federman explains the latest.6 hours ago
- 00:52'Our views on Rafah are well-known': Blinken on potential Israeli operation in southern GazaAssociated Press VideosU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington's views on a Rafah incursion are "very well-known," as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Tuesday it would happen. Netanyahu said Israel would enter Rafah, which Israel says is Hamas' last stronghold, regardless of whether a truce-for-hostages deal is struck.10 hours ago
- 02:17Netanyahu insistent on Rafah invasion regardless of push for hostage dealCBS News VideosIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is again signaling he will go ahead with a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite pleas from thousands of protesters to broker a deal to bring back the rest of the hostages held by Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel to try to get Hamas to accept a deal. Debora Patta has the latest.11 hours ago
- 00:38Aid airdropped into northern Gaza as international pressure to reach cease-fire growsAssociated Press VideosAid was airdropped into northern Gaza on Tuesday, while international pressure grows to reach a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. (April 30)13 hours ago
- 02:58Disagreements remain on potential Israel-Hamas cease-fire, hostage release dealCBS News VideosIsrael has offered Hamas what it described as a generous deal for a cease-fire and the release of hostages in Gaza, but snags remain and officials involved with the talks are wary of optimism. CBS News intelligence and national security reporter Olivia Gazis has more.19 hours ago
- 01:00Pro-Palestinian protest at University of North CarolinaAssociated Press VideosStudents were protesting at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill campus on Tuesday over the Israel-Hamas war. Protests have popped up at many college campuses following the arrest of demonstrators this month at Columbia University.23 hours ago
- 01:25'Challenging': UCLA student editor on protest coverageReuters VideosSTORY: The pro-Palestinian rallies have sparked intense campus debate over where school officials should draw the line between freedom of expression and hate speech. Some pro-Israel counter-demonstrators have accused the other side of engaging in antisemitism. Friedman, Editor in Chief of the Daily Bruin, says her university has taken a "hands off" approach, minimizing arrests and confrontation with police, unlike schools in Texas or New York. She described the challenges of reporting on the protests while juggling classes and life: "It's tough to balance all of that, but we really want to make sure the community is staying as up to date on what's happening as possible and that we can provide any information that we think is helpful." Friedman also said the Daily Bruin team works hard to try and keep personal biases out of their coverage, in part by having a clear separation between news content and opinion pieces. At the University of California, Los Angeles, where opposing sides had clashed over the weekend, pro-Israeli activists set up a large screen and loudspeakers to play a tape loop of the Oct. 7 cross-border attack on Israel by Hamas militants. The video appears aimed at countering pro-Hamas chants that seeped into campus protests in support of Palestinian civilians besieged in Gaza. UCLA also stepped up security around a pro-Palestinian encampment, consisting of more than 50 tents surrounded by metal fencing near the main administration building on campus.1 day ago
- 04:49What's in the latest Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal?CBS News VideosAs the Israel-Hamas war nears its seventh month, world leaders are looking for ways to pressure both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders to agree to a cease-fire. Jon Alterman, senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins CBS News to discuss.1 day ago
- 01:00Hundreds protest in Israel demanding a ceasefire deal and the immediate release of hostagesAssociated Press VideosHundreds took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Monday during the last day of the Passover holiday, demanding a cease-fire deal and the immediate release of the hostages kept by Hamas in Gaza. (April 30, 2024)1 day ago
- 02:28U.S. pressures Israel and Hamas to reach cease-fire dealCBS News VideosPresident Biden spoke with the leaders of Egypt and Qatar on Monday in a renewed push for a cease-fire in the war in Gaza. The U.S. is putting pressure on Israel and Hamas to finally sign off on a proposal. Debora Patta has the latest.1 day ago
- 02:25Middle East experts on state of Israel-Hamas war ceasefire talks, humanitarian aid to GazaAssociated Press VideosMiddle East experts on state of Israel-Hamas war ceasefire talks, humanitarian aid to Gaza1 day ago
- 02:04Blinken, Family Members of Hostages Push for Deal Between Israel and HamasWSJSecretary of State Antony Blinken pushed leaders to finalize a Gaza cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, which would lead to more hostages being released and a delay in a Rafah offensive. Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/AFP/Getty2 days ago
- 04:59New Israel-Hamas war cease-fire proposal: What to knowCBS News VideosSecretary of State Antony Blinken is back in the Middle East as a new proposal takes shape for a temporary Israel-Hamas war cease-fire and potential hostage releases. CBS News contributor Robert Berger breaks down the latest in the negotiations.2 days ago
- 02:29Blinken urges Hamas to quickly accept ceasefire dealReuters VideosSTORY: Hamas should swiftly accept Israel's proposal for a truce in Gaza, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday. "Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily, extraordinarily generous, on the part of Israel. And in this moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas. They have to decide, and they have to decide quickly." Blinken made the comments at a special World Economic Forum meeting in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. Negotiators for Palestinian militant group Hamas arrived in Cairo on Monday to meet Qatari and Egyptian mediators about the phased ceasefire proposal Israel presented over the weekend. A source briefed on the talks said Israel's proposal involved the release of fewer than 40 of the roughly 130 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza. In exchange Palestinians jailed in Israel would be freed. The second phase of the truce would consist of a "period of sustained calm" - Israel's compromise response to a Hamas demand for a permanent ceasefire. Amidst the negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure on multiple fronts. Israel is voicing concern that the International Criminal Court (ICC) could be preparing to issue arrest warrants for government officials on charges related to the conduct of its war against Hamas. Gaza health authorities say about 34,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's air and ground assault. The ICC is also investigating Hamas' Oct. 7 cross-border attack, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and saw 253 hostages seized, according to Israeli counts. Netanyahu said on Friday that any ICC decisions would not affect Israel's actions, but would set a dangerous precedent. Netanyahu is also facing pressure from far-right allies to reject a new Gaza ceasefire, jeopardizing his government's stability. An offensive in Rafah, which Israel says is the last Hamas stronghold in the Gaza Strip, has been anticipated for weeks. But foreign governments and the United Nations have expressed concerns that such action could result in a humanitarian disaster, given around one million displaced people are crammed into the area. Israeli airstrikes in Rafah on Monday killed more than two dozen people and wounded many others, medics said.2 days ago
- 00:58Israel-Hamas war protesters defy Columbia University's deadline to disband camp or face suspensionAssociated Press VideosColleges around the U.S. implored pro-Palestinian student protesters to clear out tent encampments with rising levels of urgency Monday, including an ultimatum from Columbia University. (AP video by Ted Shaffrey) (AP produced by Javier Arciga)2 days ago
- 02:14Push for Israel-Hamas cease-fire growsABC News VideosHamas and Israeli officials are participating in hostage negotiations as more world leaders call for a cease-fire.2 days ago
- 01:00University of Wisconsin students protest Israel-Hamas warAssociated Press VideosPro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied on the University of Wisconsin- Madison campus on Monday morning. (AP VIdeo: Todd Richmond)2 days ago
- 00:27Students at the University of Wisconsin set up tents, protest Israel-Hamas warAssociated Press VideosStudents at the University of Wisconsin in Madison have set up tents and are protesting the Israel-Hamas war. WKOW-TV reports the rally is organized by Students for Justice in Palestine and the Young Democratic Socialists of America.2 days ago
- 01:08Blinken urges Hamas to accept Israel's truce proposalReuters VideosSTORY: Hamas negotiators were expected to meet Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Monday to deliver a response to the phased truce proposal Israel presented at the weekend, ahead of a threatened Israeli assault on the southern border city of Rafah. Blinken reiterated that the U.S. could not support an Israeli ground assault on Rafah - where Israel says Hamas' last four intact battalions are holed up - "in the absence of an (Israeli) plan to ensure that civilians will not be harmed." Blinken, speaking earlier at the opening of a meeting with Gulf Arab states, said the most effective way to address the crisis and create space for a more lasting solution was to get a ceasefire that allowed the release of hostages held by Hamas.2 days ago
- 04:04Over 130 hostages remain in Gaza as Biden pushes Israel to end war through diplomacyCBS News VideosPresident Biden is pushing Israel’s prime minister to end the war through diplomacy instead of a military assault. There are more than 130 hostages remaining, including five U.S. citizens. The U.S. publicly blames Hamas for recent failed diplomacy, but hostage families also put blame on the Netanyahu government.2 days ago
- 01:03Gazans mourn dead after Israeli airstrikes on RafahReuters VideosSTORY: The strikes on Rafah, where more than one million people are seeking refuge from months of Israeli bombardment, took place hours before Egypt was expected to host leaders of the Islamist group Hamas to discuss prospects for a ceasefire agreement with Israel. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, which controls Gaza, in a military operation that has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, at least 66 of them in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza's health authorities. The war has displaced most of the 2.3 million population and laid much of the enclave to waste. The conflict was triggered by an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on Oct. 7 in which they killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. An assault on Rafah, which Israel says is the last Hamas stronghold in the Gaza Strip, has been anticipated for weeks but foreign governments and the United Nations have expressed concern that such action could result in a humanitarian disaster given the number of displaced people crammed into the area.2 days ago
- 00:36Progress on Gaza humanitarian situation: BlinkenReuters VideosSTORY: Speaking in Riyadh at the opening of a US-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting, Blinken said the most effective way to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was to achieve a ceasefire. He also said Washington continued efforts to prevent the Gaza war from expanding. The country is the first stop for Blinken in a broader trip to the Middle East to discuss issues including the governance of Gaza once the war with Israel ends. The Secretary of State is also expected to bring together Arab countries with the European states and discuss how Europe can help the rebuilding effort of the tiny enclave, which has been reduced to a wasteland in the six-month long Israeli bombardment. Blinken's trip comes as Egypt was expected to host leaders of the Islamist group Hamas to discuss prospects for a ceasefire agreement with Israel.2 days ago
1 day ago · Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman delves into rumors of the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders; European states said set to recognize Palestine. By ToI Staff...
Oct 13, 2023 · A country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is the only state in the world with a majority Jewish population. It has been locked in conflict with the Palestinians and its Arab...
Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in the Southern Levant region of West Asia.
For the history since its independence, see History of Israel (1948–present). For pre-modern Jewish history, see History of the Jews and Judaism in the Land of Israel. For a broader overview of the region, see History of Palestine. Visual History of Israel by Arthur Szyk, 1948. Part of a series on the. History of Israel. Early history.
Israel ( Hebrew: יִשְׂרָאֵל) officially the State of Israel ( Hebrew: מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל) is a country in southwestern Asia on the eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea. Israel's population is 9.8 million people, of whom 7 million are Jewish. Almost all the other citizens of Israel are Arab (1.2 million) and include Muslims, Christians, and Druze.
Apr 24, 2024 · The State of Israel was established in 1948. The UN General Assembly proposed in 1947 partitioning the British Mandate for Palestine into an Arab and Jewish state. The Jews accepted the proposal, but the local Arabs and the Arab states rejected the UN plan and launched a war.