Saturday, November 30
US President Joe Biden urges Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change his hardline government and accept a Palestinian state, increasing pressure on Israel. Biden expresses concern over the bombing in Gaza and the high number of Palestinian civilian casualties. He emphasizes the need for Israel to make moves to strengthen regional unity and warns that Israel cannot reject the idea of a Palestinian state. Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, plans to travel to Israel to discuss the war in Gaza with Israeli officials.
An emergency-like situation occurred at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport when passengers were forced to evacuate from a Buzz Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The cabin filled with smoke after the engines were fired up for takeoff. Buzz, a Poland-based partner of Ryanair, operated the flight. Emergency vehicles and airport employees helped passengers evacuate. No injuries were reported. Ryanair stated that engineers were inspecting the aircraft and a replacement plane was arranged for the passengers.
After a congressional hearing on antisemitism at Harvard University, more than 500 faculty members express support for President Claudine Gay. The Harvard Corporation is deliberating on a public statement in her support. University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigns, while MIT's executive committee shows full support for their president. In response to mounting pressure, a letter signed by 511 Harvard faculty members emphasizes the importance of academic freedom and preserving a culture of free inquiry. Critics argue that university leadership decisions should not be influenced by alumni or politicians.
University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigns following scrutiny on elite universities for alleged antisemitism; Representative Elise Stefanik demands ouster of Harvard President Claudine Gay and MIT President Sally Kornbluth; Harvard faces pressure from donors and alumni to address issues of leadership and antisemitism; Harvard declines to comment on Gay, while Gay apologizes for her words at the hearing; Harvard Jewish Alumni Alliance demands change and criticizes Harvard for prioritizing legal risk over student life.
The UK's extensive Covid-19 inquiry, poised to be one of the most substantial and potentially costliest probes in the nation's history, has revealed criticisms about former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's handling of the crisis. Reports suggest that Johnson presided over a problematic atmosphere characterized by social gatherings in his offices during periods when the public was instructed to remain indoors. This investigation may also pose challenges for current PM Rishi Sunak. The inquiry, which began public hearings in June, has the power to compel witnesses to give evidence under oath and demand documents.
President Joe Biden faces mounting concerns among Black voters in crucial battleground states like Georgia as he seeks to secure his place in the 2024 presidential race. Despite campaign promises and touted achievements, a disconnect persists between the administration's claims of progress and the experiences of voters on the ground. Recent polls indicate a potential erosion of support among Black voters, a demographic critical to Democratic success. Concerns range from healthcare issues to cuts in child care assistance and food stamps.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces tough questioning at a public inquiry into the government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. He supported a discount initiative to encourage people to go back to restaurants, which scientists have linked to a rise in infections. Sunak's leadership is also at risk as lawmakers debate legislation to salvage his plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The bill faces opposition from both centrist lawmakers and hard-liners within Rishi Sunak's party.
President Joe Biden extends invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for crucial meeting at White House. Meeting aims to address urgent needs of Ukraine as it confronts Russian invasion, highlighting essential role of continued U.S. support. Key issues include defense cooperation, joint projects on weapons production, air defense systems, and securing unity among U.S., Europe, and world in supporting Ukraine's defense. Republican senators block $106 billion emergency aid package for Ukraine and Israel, causing concerns about potential for further Russian aggression.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has submitted a discrimination complaint on behalf of Hajur El-Haggan, a Black Muslim Arab American teacher in Maryland. El-Haggan was placed on administrative leave for including a phrase supporting Palestinian rights in her email signature. Critics label the phrase as 'antisemitic' and a rallying cry used by anti-Israel voices. CAIR argues that the school district selectively enforced its policy on email signatures. El-Haggan offered to remove the phrase but was kept on administrative leave. CAIR's complaint alleges discrimination based on race and religion.
