Portal:Current events/2005 April 23
April 23, 2005 (Saturday)
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict:
- The Association of University Teachers, the leading British academic group, has voted to boycott two Israeli universities, Haifa University and Bar-Ilan University, over their alleged involvement in "illegal activity" in the occupied territories. The AUT said it voted for the boycott in response to a plea for action by a group of Palestinian academics. It was condemned by the Israeli Embassy, the British Ambassador in Israel, by Jewish Human Rights groups and by Universities UK. (BBC), (Guardian)
- Israeli security forces arrest 3 suspected Palestinian militants on the Geha Highway near Ra'annana, Israel. When the police arrived, the 3 suspects were barricaded in their car, while a 4th suspect fled the scene. Earlier in the night, the Israeli Police put roadblocks and checkpoints after it received high alert on "rolling" suicide bombing attack. (Haaretz), (Ynet)
- A 17-year-old Palestinian is caught carrying 4 pipe bombs in Beit Furik checkpoint. (Haaretz)
- A Qassam rocket was launched toward northern Gaza community. No casualties were reported. Also, Palestinian militants stabbed a soldier near Ganim settlement, injuring him moderately. (Haaretz)
- A rodent species representing a new family of mammals, Laonastidae, is discovered in Laos. This is the first new family of mammals discovered since 1974. (Cambridge Journals)
- Bangladesh accuses the BSF of gunning down two farmers who had strayed into no man's land at Hairharpur on the Indo-Bangla border. Indian officials say the guards had only shot at and injured two Bangladeshis trying to sneak into West Bengal. (Gulf Times, Qatar) (Voice of America)