HEADLINES
- Hezbollah Threatens Unrestricted Warfare Amid Rising Israel-Hamas Tensions
- Charges Dropped for Most Anti-Israel Protesters at Columbia University
- Jerusalem and Tel Aviv See Violent Protests as Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates

The time is now 07:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the last hour, notable developments have occurred in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with significant implications for the region and beyond.

Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon, has released a provocative video featuring their secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah. In his address, Nasrallah warned that if war is imposed on Lebanon, Hezbollah would engage in combat without any limitations. He emphasized that any party considering a conflict with Lebanon would deeply regret it. The footage, distributed by Al Mayadeen news channel, also underscored Hezbollah's claim of having identified vital Israeli targets that could be struck, potentially setting Israel back to a "stone age" level of devastation. This bold statement reflects the severe tensions in the region and the potential for escalation.

Meanwhile, in New York, charges were dropped against most of the protesters involved in an anti-Israel demonstration at Columbia University. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office decided to drop charges against 30 students due to insufficient evidence and their lack of prior criminal records. Thirteen other protesters, who were not enrolled at Columbia at the time, were offered an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. Only one protester, James Carlson, still faces charges.

During a press conference, representatives of the 46 activists rejected any deals, viewing them as state efforts to divide the pro-Palestine movement. The activists, masked and wearing keffiyehs, condemned the American legal system, claiming it does not uphold justice and accusing it of attempting to intimidate and stifle their movement.

The New York City Police Department had arrested over 100 students following their barricading of Hamilton Hall, which they had renamed Hind's Hall in memory of a Palestinian girl killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The intervention by the NYPD was requested by Columbia University's administration after weeks of property damage, harassment, and intimidation by the protesters. The activists demanded the release of five Palestinians associated with the Holy Land Foundation, who were convicted of funneling funds to Hamas under the guise of charity work.

Additionally, the protesters called for the release of Casey Goonan, accused of multiple arson attacks at the University of California, Berkeley, and John Mazurek, accused of an arson attack on the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. The activists expressed support for these individuals, equating their actions with the broader struggle against perceived oppression and advocating for continued escalation of tactics.

In Israel, the tension spilled onto the streets of Jerusalem. During a protest organized by the "Fighting for the North" movement, a bus driver attempted to run over demonstrators who had blocked a road and burned Lebanese and Hezbollah flags. The protesters had set up a mock tent with these flags, symbolizing what they described as the remnants of their homes, emphasizing the slogan, "We must not lose the North."

Simultaneously, in Tel Aviv, police confronted demonstrators on King George Street. The police reported that three protesters were arrested during an illegal demonstration that involved violence and defiance against police orders. The Israeli police asserted that they used reasonable force to disperse the protesters and maintain public order, reiterating their commitment to allowing lawful protests while preventing any actions that disrupt public safety and...

Duration:

5m

Broadcast on:

22 Jun 2024

Audio Format:

mp3