First Thing: Pro-Palestine protesters take over Columbia University building

US campus protests escalate with nearly 1,000 students arrested nationwide. Plus, healthy lifestyle may offset genetics by 62%'

Good morning.

Dozens of protesters have occupied a building at Columbia University in New York, barricading the doors and hanging a Palestine flag from a window as demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war step up on US campuses.

What is the latest in Gaza? The death toll in Gaza has reached 34,535, according to the Hamas-led Gaza health ministry, with another 77,704 Palestinians wounded.

Is a ceasefire nearing? Hamas officials left Cairo after talks with Egyptian officials on a new ceasefire proposal, saying they would return to the city soon with a written response.

What might the deal involve? Details have not been released but it is believed to involve a 40-day pause in fighting and Hamas returning 30-40 vulnerable hostages, while Israel frees scores of Palestinian prisoners.

Who were they? The identity of the subject of the warrant and that of the second shooter have not been released. The dead officers have not yet been named.