Advocates decry US House vote to defund universities that boycott Israel

The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill to penalise American universities for boycotting Israel or its academic institutions, including those located in the occupied West Bank, a move that critics say violates freedom of expression.Lawmakers approved the measure in a 237-169 vote on Thursday, with 33 Democrats joining the Republican majority. Two Republicans broke ranks with their party to reject the bill.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3No end to torture of Gaza doctor Abu Safia in Israeli prison: What to knowlist 2 of 3Four imprisoned Palestine Action activists appeal terrorism sentenceslist 3 of 3Israel’s siege on Gaza is forcing dentists to operate in the streetsend of listThe proposal will still needs to be adopted by the Republican-controlled Senate and signed by President Donald Trump to become law.If passed, it would bar universities that boycott “an entity licensed or regulated by, or organised under the laws of” Israel, such as those in illegal West Bank settlements, from receiving federal funds.Withholding such funding would make it nearly impossible for many universities to operate or provide financial aid to students.Jenin Younes, pres...