Israel's President Isaac Herzog condemns US universities for being "contaminated by hatred and anti-Semitism" amid campus unrest over Israel's conflict with Gaza. Herzog expresses support for Jewish communities and denounces the celebration of atrocities against Israel. Tensions escalate as protests spread across US campuses, challenging administrators to balance free speech with allegations of criminal activity and hate speech. The offensive in Gaza has claimed thousands of lives, prompting widespread condemnation and protests. Herzog's message underscores solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide, emphasizing Israel's stance against hostility and threats.          

A new poll has shaken up the London mayoral race, showing Sadiq Khan's lead over Susan Hall at its smallest margin yet. With just a week to go, the Savanta survey puts Khan at 46% and Hall at 33%, a 13-point lead. This is significantly closer than earlier polls, which had Khan ahead by 24-25 points. The findings suggest a potential upset, with key battlegrounds emerging in South and West London. Khan still leads comfortably in North and East London, but the race is now much tighter than expected."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated US opposition to a significant military operation in Gaza's Rafah, expressing concerns about civilian casualties. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken emphasized the need for alternative approaches to address the Hamas challenge without endangering civilians. Netanyahu has pledged to launch an assault on Rafah, despite US objections. Blinken's remarks underscore ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region. The US remains committed to dialogue with Israeli leaders to explore alternative strategies for dealing with Hamas.            

A former Spirit AeroSystems employee, Joshua Dean, known for flagging lax standards in Boeing 737 MAX production, passed away after a sudden illness. Dean, who alleged retaliation for raising quality concerns, was hailed for his courage by lawyer Brian Knowles. His death follows that of another Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett. Spirit AeroSystems expressed condolences, emphasizing Dean's sudden loss. The company faces scrutiny after a 737 MAX 9 door panel incident. Dean's actions underscore whistleblower challenges in the aviation industry, with his death prompting reflection on safety and quality standards.            

In a campaign fundraising event, US President Joe Biden pointed to 'xenophobia' from China, Japan, and India as a hindrance to their economic growth. He emphasized the positive impact of immigration on the US economy, contrasting it with the reluctance of these countries to embrace immigrants. Biden's remarks come amidst concerns over slowing growth in these nations, as predicted by the International Monetary Fund. Despite advocating for immigration-friendly policies, Biden faces criticism from opponents, particularly regarding irregular migration. The issue of immigration is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming US presidential elections.

The United States accused Russia of breaching the international chemical weapons ban by deploying chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops and using riot control agents as a "method of warfare" in Ukraine. The State Department stated that Russia's use of such chemicals, including chloropicrin, aims to dislodge Ukrainian forces from fortified positions. Chloropicrin is classified as a banned choking agent by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Russian forces have also reportedly utilized grenades loaded with CS and CN gases. The escalation raises concerns about compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.            

Police have been deployed on US university campuses amid violent clashes between pro-Palestinian students and counter-protesters. At UCLA, police cars patrolled the campus after overnight clashes, while at Columbia University, police cleared out protesters. Students are divided, with some seeing the police presence as necessary for safety, while others criticize their tactics as "rough and aggressive". The police intervention marks a new phase in the weeks-long protests against Israel's war with Hamas, which have spread to multiple US campuses. The situation remains tense, with students and police on high alert.

Hundreds of thousands of fish have perished in southern Vietnam's Dong Nai province due to a scorching heatwave and reservoir mismanagement. The Song May reservoir, spanning 300 hectares, saw all its fish die from lack of water. The area, devoid of rain for weeks, suffered a significant drop in water levels, making survival impossible for the marine life. Efforts to save the fish, including reservoir renovation and water discharge, proved futile. Authorities are investigating the incident while residents endure the unbearable stench and disruption to their lives.

Britain's media regulator Ofcom is probing adult website OnlyFans' age-verification measures after concerns that it failed to prevent minors from accessing explicit content. Ofcom suspects OnlyFans did not adequately implement age checks to safeguard under-18s. The investigation also scrutinizes if OnlyFans provided accurate information in response to requests. OnlyFans, which collaborates with age-assurance provider Yoti, attributed the issue to a coding error affecting UK-based users. The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny over online safety laws, with potential fines of up to £18 million for non-compliance.

In a move to cripple Russia's military and industrial capabilities, US officials announced fresh sanctions targeting nearly 300 entities in Russia, China, and other countries. The sanctions aim to disrupt Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine by penalizing companies that support President Vladimir Putin's invasion. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized consequences for aiding Russia's war, while also highlighting US support for Ukraine. The measures follow President Joe Biden's signing of a bill to provide new funding for Ukraine's defense. The sanctions also target individuals linked to the death of Russian opposition leader Aleksey Navalny.