The U.S. ally appeared to be pushing ahead Wednesday with a new phase of its war despite international opposition — and in the face of a renewed push for a ceasefire with Hamas.

It’s the biggest escalation yet of the protests at Microsoft.

WOSU found through a records request that one Jewish organization in Columbus reported protest activity critical of Israel's actions in Gaza to police. The organization was also reporting antisemitic attacks on the Jewish community.

The protesters, who took over Microsoft’s East Campus Plaza, created what they called a “Liberated Zone” and renamed it as The Martyred Palestinian Children’s Plaza

The group has instead called for smaller protest activity nationwide instead of one mass rally in Tel Aviv. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum has postponed a large protest originally scheduled for next Sunday in order not to disrupt ongoing ceasefire and hostage exchange negotiations,

The protests, which have been ongoing in recent weeks, demand government action to assist soldiers in coping with trauma resulting from their military service. The demonstrations by combat veterans in Jerusalem,

Demonstrators gather during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Footage shared on TV and social media depicted armed Druze protesters in Sweida, Syria, wearing military vests with Israeli flags, calling for self-determination. A large protest was held in Sweida, Syria,