Pro-Palestinian protests have made the news on both sides of the Atlantic this week.
In the US, student campus demonstrations have led to hundreds of arrests in an at-times brutal crackdown by police, and appear to be evolving into a wider political battle with bitter historical echoes. In London, meanwhile, a series of mass marches have led to disputed claims that the city is becoming a no-go zone for people who disagree with the protesters.
What is the mood within the Gaza demonstrations – and where might they be leading? For the Guardian Weekly’s big story this week, Ed Helmore reports from New York, while on a London march James Tapper speaks to the families of Holocaust survivors who are pushing back against the narrative that Jewish people are not welcome there.
And columnist Jonathan Freedland argues that it is extremists on both sides who are consistently blocking the path to a peaceful and lasting solution.
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Five essential reads in this week’s edition
1
Spotlight | Bearing the brunt on the eastern front
Ukraine’s Azov brigade is tasked with repelling relentless Russian attacks as the invaders have made the most of an artillery mismatch. Dan Sabbagh reports.
2
Spotlight | The rise and fall of Humza Yousaf
The Scottish National party leader’s resignation has exposed the faultlines within the nationalist grouping over social policy, writes Libby Brooks.
3
Feature | Talking trees: truth and fiction
In the past 10 years the idea that trees communicate with and look after each other – dubbed the “wood-wide web” – has gained widespread currency. But have these claims outstripped the evidence, asks Daniel Immerwahr.
4
Opinion | No need to panic over bird flu – but we should plan
This is not a repeat of the Covid pandemic, says Devi Sridhar. Yet global governments should follow the US and prepare a response.
5
Culture | Venice Biennale 2024: everything everywhere all at once
From an alligator ride across Asia to an escape to outer space, the biennial art festival’s “foreigners everywhere” theme leaves our critic Adrian Searle beguiled, tantalised – and frequently appalled.
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What else we’ve been reading
As I reluctantly crawled out of bed this morning, I was reminded of Isabel Manley’s brilliant comic on the oppressive nature of time in the modern world. Her thoughts on how strict time boundaries in schools suit neither student nor teacher were particularly insightful. Interspersed throughout these personal meanderings are historical and philosophical references from the new book Saving Time by Jenny Odell, which is now firmly on my reading list – if only I had more time! Emily El Nusairi, deputy production editor
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Other highlights from the Guardian website
• Audio | Football Weekly – Arsenal and Manchester City set up a two-horse race
• Video | Pressure and Release – How horses are healing childhood trauma
• Gallery | Photographer Magdalena Wosinska’s portraits of skaters, saunas and spontaneous stripping
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