Live Blog Update| Israel's genocide in Gaza
This is an entry from: Live: UK halts trade deal talks with Israel, summons ambassador over Gaza

Morning update

8 May 2025 05:46 BST

Good morning Middle East Eye readers, 

Here are the latest updates from the Israeli war on Gaza, now in its 579th day: 

  • Houthis to continue Israel attacks: Yemen's Houthi group confirmed Wednesday's US-brokered ceasefire "does not include sparing Israel". US President Trump announced earlier this week that the US will halt air strikes after securing pledges to protect American vessels.

  • Columbia University crackdown: New York Police Department arrested 40-50 students during a pro-Palestinian library occupation – the largest campus protest since Gaza war demonstrations began. Videos showed detainees zip-tied and loaded into police vans after refusing to vacate Butler Library.

  • US pushes UN on Gaza aid: The Trump administration pressures UN involvement in Israel's controversial aid distribution plan, according to Washington Post sources. Critics argue the scheme risks legitimising Israel's blockade.

  • Amnesty condemns displacement: The rights group declared Israel's forced relocation of Palestinians "a crime against humanity", citing systematic violations of international law.

  • European powers reject Gaza plans: Six nations (Spain, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovenia) jointly opposed Israel's territorial ambitions, demanding: immediate lifting of Gaza's blockade; rejection of "any demographic or territorial change"; warning against "dangerous escalation" through conquest.