Kan Hebrew Channel:

Blinken informed Israeli officials that an exchange deal could not be reached if Israel launched an attack on Rafah, and that without a ceasefire, an exchange deal could not be reached.

Blinken informed Israeli officials that normalization with Saudi Arabia is not possible without a ceasefire in Gaza

[A.k]

Israel Hayom:

The expanded cabinet will meet tomorrow evening, Thursday, to prepare for Hamas’ response and to determine the next steps in the war

[A.k]

🔻Impact Alert: McDonald's Profits Plunge Amidst Backlash for IOF Support 📉

Reuters |

🍔 Despite price hikes, McDonald's misses Q1 sales estimates as consumers turn their backs. Global comparable sales fall to 1.9%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of decline.

💸 Middle East Market hit hard, with International Developmental Licensed Markets seeing a pull back, reflecting consumer backlash against brands linked to IOF support.

🚫 Boycotts bite back: McDonald's CFO warns of “Middle East tensions” impacting global sales.

🇺🇸 Even in the US, where sales grew 2.5%, the growth is sharply lower, indicating Americans are also pulling back.

🔍 As McDonald's grapples with falling profits, it's evident that supporting the IOF comes at a cost. People worldwide continue to hold companies accountable for complicity in injustice.

[K.P.]

Axios: Israel tells U.S. it will punish Palestinian Authority if ICC issues warrants.

If you know a good psychiatric team, it’s time to send it to Israel.

[RT]

🇵🇸 UPDATE: Northwestern University Reaches Tentative Agreement with Protesters. But it’s Not Enough

AP News |

Northwestern University has reached a tentative agreement with student protesters regarding the Palestine. Here's a clear outline of the agreement:

✅ Key Points of the Agreement:
• Reestablishment of an advisory committee on university investments.

• Commitment to build a house for Muslim student activities.

• Pledge to raise funds for scholarships benefiting Palestinian undergraduates.

• Permission for protests to continue until June 1, with limitations on tent usage and loudspeaker use.

• Penalties, including suspension, for students who fail to comply with the agreement.

In a statement, the Northwestern Divestment Coalition celebrated the victory.:

“For the first time, a university administration has committed to full disclosure of its holdings and investments in specific companies, including those whose investments support Israeli apartheid, as well as a clear path to the university’s divestment from those holdings,” the group’s statement said in part. 

🔍 The Road Ahead:
While the agreement marks progress, it's just the beginning of ongoing efforts. Protest organizers vow to keep pushing for divestment and Palestinian rights.

🛑 Continued Struggle:
Despite the agreement, the fight for justice continues. With protests ongoing at universities nationwide, the pressure remains on institutions to take meaningful action.

[K.P.]