Washington: (RightNow) The US House of Representatives has approved a bill targeting universities participating in the boycott of Israel. This bill paves the way for halting federal financial aid to such institutions. The approval comes amid the Gaza conflict and the ongoing boycott campaign against Israel.

According to a British news agency, the Republican-majority House voted 237 in favor and 169 against the bill. The bill requires Senate approval to become law. Two Republicans opposed the bill, while 33 Democrats supported it.

The law was passed at a time when criticism of Israel is increasing in the US due to Palestinian casualties in the Gaza conflict. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed due to Israeli actions.

Following the Gaza conflict, protests in support of Palestinians and calls for a boycott of Israel have occurred at US universities. The US President has threatened investigations and the halting of federal funds for certain universities.

It is noteworthy that the BDS movement seeks to pressure Israel. Supporters of the bill claim its goal is not to stifle academic debate but to prevent discrimination.