Yahoo Web Search

A new ABC News and IPSOS poll shows an uptick in Americans saying the U.S. is doing too much to support Israel, compared to January.

STORY: Officers entered the Portland State University library on Thursday morning, where demonstrators had barricaded themselves since Monday (April 29). Several dozen protesters ran out of the building as a phalanx of officers in riot gear rushed over to arrest them. Police made more arrests later on Thursday night as demonstrators attempted to retake it. A university spokesperson described it as a "very fluid situation." The protests across U.S. universities follow the deadly Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip, which killed 1,200 people and saw dozens taken hostage, and an ensuing Israeli offensive that has killed about 34,000, according to Palestinian authorities, and created a humanitarian crisis.

Amid ongoing airstrikes in Rafah, Gaza, demonstrators in Tel Aviv intensify calls for the Israeli government to negotiate a hostage deal with Hamas. The protests have included blocking traffic in Israel's second-largest city.

Israel has offered a six-week pause in fighting and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Hamas-held hostages.

U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken visited Israel to push for a cease-fire deal in the Israel-Hamas war. He warned that Hamas would be blamed if an agreement to end the conflict in Gaza is not reached.

STORY: "I'm a woman on my own with young girls to feed," says Asmaa al-Belbasi. This is how desperate she and other Gazans are for bread: she walks daily through the dangerous landscape of north Gaza, reduced to rubble by Israeli strikes... and where sporadic fighting breaks out between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. Aid agencies say famine still looms here though some bakeries have reopened and supplies are improving. It's an hour to the bakery and an hour home, she says. "We need to get to this area but can't by car because the roads are all blocked with rubble from strikes. The sun beats down and you find a long queue there from the morning and you're exhausted by the time you return - all for some bread." Restoring Gaza's bakeries and ensuring a regular supply of flour, water and fuel will be crucial to stopping famine. The first bakery re-opened mid-April using flour and fuel provided by the World Food Programme. Hundreds of people stood in line among the ruins and the bakers had to employ stewards to maintain order. Out of five run by Kamel Ajour Bakeries, it's the only one back up and running. Though the need is so high they're running a 24-hour operation, says the bakery's administrator Karam Ajour. "We suffered a lot of damage - more than 80 percent of our equipment across all our branches in the Gaza Strip. But with God's help, as much as possible, we were able to retrieve some of it and operate to provide for the people and produce bread.” Belbasi says she waits at least 20 minutes each day for two bags of flatbread, a staple for Gazans, which she needs for her children and other relatives. "What can we do," she says. There's no transport and no one to help her. Back at home, the girls are waiting anxiously for her safe return. And to eat. Pockets of famine are emerging in Gaza and children have died from malnutrition and dehydration. Even Israel's closest allies have increased pressure on it to do more to let in food. BELBASI: "Before they reopened the bakeries, we would get corn flour which you couldn't knead, it was like a log, it would come out like a biscuit. After a day or two it'd be difficult to eat." Israel has blockaded Gaza for months but aid started to flow in higher volumes into northern Gaza since it opened a new crossing point. But aid agencies warn it is still nowhere near enough and the WFP said last week northern Gaza is still heading towards famine.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also met with Israeli leaders in a push for a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. The proposal aims to free hostages and pause the conflict in Gaza. Photo: Tomer Appelbaum/AFP/Getty Images