US President Joe Biden condemned anti-Semitism on college campuses amid protests at Columbia University. Demonstrators, advocating for Palestine, demand the university cut financial ties with Israel due to the Gaza crisis. Biden's statement, ahead of Passover, denounced harassment of Jews and violence, asserting it has no place in the US. The protests, ongoing for five days, reflect tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Protesters camped on campus urge a boycott of all Israeli-related activities. Biden's remarks underscore the need for campus safety and tolerance, emphasizing the importance of peaceful dialogue amidst contentious issues.

In a move that could strain US-Israel ties, the US is considering sanctioning additional Israeli military and police units for alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. This follows plans to sanction the Netzah Yehuda battalion. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vows to fight such sanctions vigorously. The US State Department conducted a year-long investigation into alleged abuses by several Israeli military units, including Netzah Yehuda, which has faced previous controversies over violence against Palestinians, including the death of a Palestinian-American, Omar As'ad, while in detention.

In Rafah, Gaza, 22 casualties, including 18 children, were reported after two strikes hit the area. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry confirmed the fatalities, with one blast hitting the Al-Shabora refugee camp. The Kuwait Hospital in Rafah managed to save an unborn baby whose mother perished in the attack. Israel Defense Forces acknowledged the strikes, stating they targeted military sites of terrorist groups in Gaza. The incident escalates tensions in the region amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.

President Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress secures a landslide victory in the Maldives parliamentary elections, winning 66 seats out of the first 86 declared. This gives them a super-majority in the 93-member parliament. Voters support Muizzu's pro-China stance, signaling a shift away from traditional ally India. The election is seen as crucial for Muizzu's plans to deepen economic ties with China, including controversial land reclamation projects. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party faces a significant defeat with just a dozen seats. Muizzu's victory comes amid tensions over Indian troop withdrawal and geopolitical realignments in the Indian Ocean region.

Israel condemns US plans to sanction the Netzah Yehuda battalion for alleged West Bank abuses. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounces the move as "absurd and morally wrong," urging against sanctions on Israeli forces. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir warns of consequences, labeling it a "red line." The unit, mainly ultra-Orthodox, faces restrictions on US training and weapon transfers under Leahy Laws. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken refrains from sanctioning other Israeli units, citing improved conduct. The decision follows recommendations amid heightened scrutiny of Palestinian rights violations. Israeli leaders resist US pressure amid escalating tensions in the region.

In a reported overnight operation, Israel deployed its advanced 'Rampage' missile to target Iranian air defenses near the Natanz nuclear site. Capable of supersonic speeds and mid-flight adjustments, the missile carried a 150 kg warhead, posing a challenge to aerial defense systems. The strike, seen as a deterrent against future attacks, purportedly hit a Russian-made S-300 system. Satellite imagery indicated damage to the air defense infrastructure. Iran claimed to have repelled the attack with small drones, while the US and UK imposed fresh sanctions on Tehran. Israel has not officially commented on the incident.

A tragic accident unfolded at a motorsport event in Sri Lanka's Fox Hill circuit, where a car collided with spectators, resulting in seven fatalities and 21 injuries. Video footage captured the moment when a red car crashed into the crowd, despite track marshals signaling for caution. Army chief Vikum Liyanage had opened the gates to spectators for free, drawing a large crowd to the event. The incident occurred during the first hosting of the race in five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges. Sri Lanka's roads, already notorious for accidents, witnessed another devastating event.

Iran and Israel take measures to prevent clashes from escalating into a larger conflict as tensions simmer in the Middle East. Despite recent attacks and retaliations, both nations refrain from further provocation. The US approves $13 billion in military aid to Israel, while Palestinian condemnation follows. Amidst ongoing violence in Gaza and clashes in the West Bank, diplomatic efforts struggle to secure a truce. International concern mounts over the humanitarian crisis, with fears of famine in Gaza. Efforts for unity among Palestinians and diplomatic maneuvers shape the evolving dynamics of the region's geopolitics.

Serbian authorities evacuate over 1,300 residents as experts remove a 1,000-kilo NATO bomb from a construction site in Nis, southern Serbia. The bomb, a remnant from the 1999 NATO bombing campaign, was safely transported for destruction. Police, firefighters, and medical teams ensure a secure operation. The bomb, with a 430-kilogram explosive charge, poses a significant threat. NATO's 1999 bombing aimed to halt Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic's crackdown on Kosovo separatists. Notably, Nis suffered heavy casualties during the campaign, including a deadly incident at a central market.

Ukrainian President Zelensky lauds US House approval of $61bn military aid, emphasizing its potential to save lives and counter Russian aggression. Delayed assistance, including air defense systems and artillery, arrives amidst dwindling resources, bolstering Ukrainian troops. Vitaliy, a soldier, stresses the importance of every resource, while citizens express relief at the aid's arrival. Despite democratic delays, Zelensky faces the challenge of ensuring political unity amid military efforts. Experts warn of the need for continued support to stabilize front lines. The aid package signifies Western solidarity against Russian dominance, providing Ukraine with crucial defense capabilities in its struggle for sovereignty.