1. Violent clashes erupted on the campus of the University of California in Los Angeles between pro-Palestinian protesters and a group of counter-demonstrators.

2. New York City police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators holed-up in an academic building on Columbia University campus.

3. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off a series of meetings with Israeli leaders discussing how to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza while at the same time he repeatedly urged Palestinian militant Hamas to accept a deal offer that will release hostages and achieve a ceasefire.

4. Russia attacked Ukraine's Kharkiv region with guided bombs, killing at least two people.

5. Taiwan is on alert for China to carry out military exercises after the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te this month.