Israel

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal and Peoria, said he hopes the death of the leader of the Hamas movement provides an opportunity to push forward with a deal to release Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Wadee Alfayoumi’s father, Odai Alfayoumi, sat in the front row at the Muslim Community Center in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood, flanked by family, some of whom wiped away tears during the remembrance ceremony.

Students for Justice in Palestine at Illinois State University held a vigil Monday in Uptown Normal on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks.

Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe of the Moses Montefiore Temple in Bloomington says her family in Israel is resilient as the war rages on, and they "truly want peace."

Seven students were arrested for trespassing after refusing to leave Hovey Hall after hours. Now, they're suing Illinois State University for reinstatement and compensation, saying ISU unfairly infringed on their constitutional rights.

A Central Illinois congressman says the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of the Hamas movement, during a visit to Iran was justified, even though it complicates efforts to secure a cease fire between Hamas and Israel in the war in Gaza.

It was standing-room only at the City of Bloomington Township special meeting on Tuesday where more than 100 people gathered to discuss and vote on whether to place a question on the November ballot concerning U.S. military funding to Israel. The measure failed, and the question will not appear on the November ballot.

A citizen petition requires the City of Bloomington Township to consider a potential referendum that calls for stopping military aid to Israel over the war in Gaza.

Illinois State University students have joined their counterparts on dozens of college campuses nationwide in setting up tent encampments to demonstrate support for Palestinians.

At a discussion on Monday, Students for Justice in Palestine decried Israeli military actions and promoted student advocacy for a ceasefire.