Canada – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com israelhayom english website Fri, 26 Dec 2025 11:02:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.israelhayom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-G_rTskDu_400x400-32x32.jpg Canada – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com 32 32 Mezuzah vandalism strikes again in Toronto https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/12/26/toronto-mezuzah-attack-antisemitism-canada-jewish-community/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/12/26/toronto-mezuzah-attack-antisemitism-canada-jewish-community/#respond Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:00:14 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1112103 Toronto police have launched an investigation after an unknown suspect tore mezuzahs from three apartments in a luxury Jewish residential building in North York, marking the second antisemitic incident targeting the community within just over two weeks.

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A second case of mezuzah removal, evidently driven by antisemitism, has rattled residents of the North York suburb in Toronto, Canada's largest city.

The Jewish news site CJN reported that police confirmed they responded to the Paplas Gate apartment building around midday Thursday, with officers and investigators arriving at the scene.

Three apartments sustained damage, according to Toronto police. Ashley Weiser, a public relations officer with Toronto police, confirmed damage to three units. All were located on the same floor, which police learned was the penthouse level. One resident was traveling abroad when the incident unfolded.

Sources informed police that at least one mezuzah was ripped off and discarded on the ground. Officers were summoned after a caregiver discovered a mezuzah missing from her client's apartment door, sources told police. Toronto police disclosed that the hate crimes unit has also been briefed on the incident.

The apartment tower is home to numerous Jewish residents and sits just over a kilometer north of Beit Tikvah synagogue, which endured multiple antisemitic attacks throughout 2024, including arson.

The case arrived just two and a half weeks after roughly 100 mezuzahs were stripped from doors at a seniors residence in North York. Toronto police labeled the first incident on December 7 at 6250 Bathurst a hate-motivated theft. The two buildings stand approximately six kilometers (3.7 miles) apart. The Bathurst facility operates under Toronto Seniors Housing, a division of Toronto Public Housing.

"This case of vandalized mezuzahs, again, serves as another example of the hatred that has poisoned our city, frequently a consequence of incitement by the mobs in the streets and online vitriol," City Councilor James Pasternak declared in a statement to CJN Thursday evening. The antisemitic mezuzah incident on Bathurst occurred in his district.

"There must be universal condemnation of these acts. And there must be repercussions. The calls in the streets and the atmosphere of lawlessness are dragging Toronto into the abyss," Pasternak added.

Residents of the apartment complex received a notice from the Paplas Gate property management company urging anyone with information or who witnessed anything to step forward, CJN learned. The letter also implies that someone within the complex perpetrated the vandalism.

"In the current climate of the world, this is not considered a random act of destruction, it is considered a targeted antisemitic act," the letter from Paplas Gate property management company stated. "In the 30 years of our residential complex's existence, we have never experienced, not even for a single second, any kind of hatred toward our community residents from people in our community," the company declared.

One resident, who requested anonymity and was not among the victims, spent Sunday fielding phone calls from owners asking whether their units were targeted. The resident has lived in the building for more than 25 years. "A lot of people are very frightened," they told CJN in an interview. "I'm not so much afraid, as angry and troubled that this could have happened. They don't have cameras in the hallways or stairwells, so police are examining fingerprints, doing everything they can," the resident said.

When asked whether they believed the latest incident was a copycat of the far larger antisemitic mezuzah thefts earlier this month at the other building, the resident had previously considered that as well. "Maybe they drew inspiration from that. It was someone who was angry at the Jewish people."

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/12/26/toronto-mezuzah-attack-antisemitism-canada-jewish-community/feed/ Just tell Google 'find me a cheap flight' https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/18/google-flights-ai-deals-tool/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/18/google-flights-ai-deals-tool/#respond Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:47:47 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1103609 Google Flights has rolled out "Flight Deals," a new AI-powered search utility targeting travelers prioritizing cost savings. Instead of manually adjusting variables like dates and destinations, users can input conversational queries such as “week-long trip this winter to a city with great food, nonstop only.” The system leverages Google's advanced AI and real-time data to find the best available travel deals, making the search process more intuitive for customers in the US, Canada, and India.

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]]> Flight Deals emerged today from Google Flights as an innovative AI search capability. Flexible voyagers who focus primarily on reducing expenses find the feature tailored specifically for them, Google Flights indicated.

Rather than tweaking various parameters endlessly, travelers describe desires naturally and let the system produce results, Google Flights described. Queries like "week-long trip this winter to a city with great food, nonstop only" or "10 day ski trip to a world-class resort with fresh powder" trigger displays of fitting low prices, including unexpected locations, Google Flights showed.

Air Canada flight attendants walk through the terminal in Montreal on August 19, 2025 (ANDREJ IVANOV / AFP)

Advanced AI from Google captures request subtleties, then draws on current Google Flights information for prompt, relevant selections, Google Flights highlighted. Beta rollout begins now to harvest responses and advance AI travel assistance, while traditional Google Flights persists with upgrades such as basic-economy exclusion for domestic North American itineraries, Google Flights mentioned.

Access starts automatically over the following week in the United States, Canada, and India via dedicated page or menu, Google Flights announced. Hopes remain high that remarkable journeys book at remarkable prices with input welcomed, Google Flights finished.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/18/google-flights-ai-deals-tool/feed/ Recognition of Palestinian state is an insult, not a strategic threat https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/22/recognition-of-palestinian-state-is-an-insult-not-a-strategic-threat/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/22/recognition-of-palestinian-state-is-an-insult-not-a-strategic-threat/#respond Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:54 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1090153 Contrary to earlier expectations that recognition of a Palestinian state would be conditioned on the release of hostages and a demand that Hamas must disarm, Australia, Britain and Canada announced that their declaration would take immediate effect, joined later by Portugal. In other words, the more serious scenario has materialized. It is highly likely that […]

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]]> Contrary to earlier expectations that recognition of a Palestinian state would be conditioned on the release of hostages and a demand that Hamas must disarm, Australia, Britain and Canada announced that their declaration would take immediate effect, joined later by Portugal.

In other words, the more serious scenario has materialized. It is highly likely that French President Emmanuel Macron, who initiated the entire process and is expected to deliver the declaration at the UN tomorrow, will not "outflank" his counterparts and will also refrain from attaching such conditions. This is not good news.

I listened to Keir Starmer's statement. While his move and those of his colleagues are clearly unacceptable, it is evident that they stem from Israel's glaring public diplomacy failure and from the protracted war, which has dragged on far beyond the limits of Israel's "diplomatic breathing room."

הנשיא מקרון , אי.אף.פי

Responsibility for this diplomatic failure rests squarely on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has weakened Israel's public diplomacy apparatus instead of reinforcing it at this critical time. Responsibility for the war's prolongation lies with Netanyahu but also with the military leadership, first and foremost under former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi but also under current Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Israel's security doctrine has long held that wars must be short. The government and the military have violated that principle, and the consequences are clear, for all to see.

Even though this step is infuriating and wrong, it is primarily an insult to Israel rather than a measure with real practical impact. One hundred forty-six countries recognized a "Palestinian state" decades ago. Palestinian "embassies" have existed in Western capitals for many years. None of that has changed anything. Israel must therefore respond rationally, not emotionally.

Carney, Albanese and Starmer. None

The real challenge Israel faces this week is the European Union's reported intention to harm its trade agreements with Israel. Such a move would damage the Israeli economy, and economic damage reduces Israel's ability to finance its security needs.

Accordingly, Netanyahu must respond in a way that avoids triggering a boomerang effect that would ultimately harm Israel. Instead, he should take targeted steps that directly punish those who harmed Israel while strengthening its domestic interests. For example, closing the British, Canadian and French consulates in East Jerusalem, and denying entry to the Australian representative who is permanently based in Ramallah.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/22/recognition-of-palestinian-state-is-an-insult-not-a-strategic-threat/feed/ UK, Canada and Australia recognize Palestinian state https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/21/canada-and-australia-recognize-palestinian-state-uk-to-follow/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/21/canada-and-australia-recognize-palestinian-state-uk-to-follow/#respond Sat, 20 Sep 2025 22:20:11 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1090123 The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia on Sunday announced in a coordinated move that they are officially recognizing a Palestinian state, making Britain the first G7 country to do so. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fulfilled a pledge he made in July, when he said his government would recognize a Palestinian state if Israel failed […]

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]]> The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia on Sunday announced in a coordinated move that they are officially recognizing a Palestinian state, making Britain the first G7 country to do so.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fulfilled a pledge he made in July, when he said his government would recognize a Palestinian state if Israel failed to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and commit to a two-state solution.

Minutes earlier, Canada and Australia also recognized a Palestinian state.

In a post on X, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote: "Today, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine."

In a joint declaration, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated: "As of today, Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia officially recognizes the sovereign and independent State of Palestine."

The statement said the move, together with Canada and the UK, was "part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution." It stressed that the Hamas terrorist organization "cannot have a role in Palestine" and noted that the Palestinian Authority had committed to recognizing Israel's right to exist.

Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Wersan Agbakian Shaheen said this week that recognition measures by countries are an irreversible step that will safeguard the two-state solution and bring Palestinian independence and sovereignty closer. "Now is the time. Tomorrow is a historic date," he told reporters in Ramallah. "This is not the end," he continued. "It may not end the war tomorrow, but it is progress we must build on," he said.

Shaheen also criticized Israel, saying it has no intention of negotiating. He cited remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a ceremony earlier this month marking the construction of a new settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which would cut off Palestinian communities in the north from those in the south. "This recognition is certainly not symbolic. It is a practical, tangible and irreversible step that countries must take if they are invested in preserving the two-state solution," Shaheen said.

סטארמר, המפה החדשה של משרד החוץ הבריטי , AP, משרד החוץ הבריטי
Starmer and the new map issued by the British Foreign Ministry. Photo: AP, British Foreign Ministry

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been under heavy pressure from within his own Labour Party to recognize a Palestinian state, an issue already included in the party's platform before the elections. More than half of Labour's Members of Parliament signed a letter calling on the government to recognize a Palestinian state immediately. In July, Starmer announced that Britain would recognize such a state unless Israel met three conditions: agreement to a cease-fire in Gaza, commitment to a sustainable long-term peace agreement leading to a two-state solution, and a halt to measures undermining it, including annexation of land in Judea and Samaria.

According to earlier reports in the UK, Starmer postponed the announcement until after US President Donald Trump's visit to Britain earlier this week, due to disagreements between London and Washington on the issue. Trump himself admitted at a joint press conference with Starmer during the visit that he and the British prime minister "disagree on the matter."

According to the BBC, Starmer chose to announce the decision today rather than tomorrow, when France and other European countries are expected to follow suit, out of consideration for Rosh Hashanah. British diplomats reportedly did not want to make a controversial declaration precisely as many Israelis would be sitting down to their holiday meals. Another reason was that Starmer will not be attending the UN General Assembly this week.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the political Right and from the Jewish community in the UK. On Friday, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called the recognition "a reward for terror." Britain's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, urged the government to halt the move, noting that "the expected recognition is not contingent on a functioning or democratic Palestinian government, nor even on the most basic commitment to a future of peace. Astonishingly, it is not even conditioned on the release of the 48 remaining hostages still held in captivity."

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/21/canada-and-australia-recognize-palestinian-state-uk-to-follow/feed/ Urine balloons thrown at Jews at Montreal Pride Parade https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/08/12/urine-balloons-thrown-at-jews-at-montreal-pride-parade/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/08/12/urine-balloons-thrown-at-jews-at-montreal-pride-parade/#respond Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:00:40 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1080167 A particularly repugnant incident occurred this week during Montreal's Pride Parade in Canada, after Jewish groups marching in the parade claimed that urine-filled balloons were thrown at them. According to reports, a 35-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of throwing them. A Jewish participant in the parade told the local Gazette newspaper that the liquid […]

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]]> A particularly repugnant incident occurred this week during Montreal's Pride Parade in Canada, after Jewish groups marching in the parade claimed that urine-filled balloons were thrown at them. According to reports, a 35-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of throwing them.

A Jewish participant in the parade told the local Gazette newspaper that the liquid "smelled like urine." He described that while marching with the group, he felt something wet hit him. "At first I thought it was water, and then the smell came," he said.

  In fact, the planned participation of the groups in the parade was a source of controversy in the preparations for the event. The organizers of "Fierté Montréal" – the organization that organizes the official Pride parade – initially removed the two groups from the participants list, claiming they "spread hate speech." Days later, they reversed the decision following criticism, including a letter signed by five members of parliament.

Police officers respond as a small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempt to interrupt the Montreal Pride Parade in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on August 10, 2025 (Photo: Andrej Ivanov/ AFP) AFP

Montreal police confirmed that the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday during the parade, but did not confirm which group was affected or what type of liquid was thrown. Police spokesman Julien Lévesque said, "We have not confirmed what type of liquid hit the participants." In contrast, a pro-Palestinian group claimed on social media that one of its members "sprayed" those Jewish groups with "natural material that is harmless but stinks."

The shameful event joins a growing wave of antisemitism in Canada. Last weekend, a Jewish man was violently attacked in Montreal in the presence of his young children, and last month, a city employee was even arrested on charges of vandalizing a Holocaust memorial in the capital, Ottawa. All of these naturally join Canada's recent announcement about the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/08/12/urine-balloons-thrown-at-jews-at-montreal-pride-parade/feed/ 'Oh Canada': Trump responds to recognition of Palestinian state https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/31/oh-canada-trump-responds-to-recognition-of-palestinian-state/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/31/oh-canada-trump-responds-to-recognition-of-palestinian-state/#respond Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:00:23 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1077197 President Donald Trump issued a trade warning Thursday following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement that his nation would recognize Palestinian statehood, suggesting the decision would complicate future commercial agreements between the countries. "Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make […]

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]]> President Donald Trump issued a trade warning Thursday following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement that his nation would recognize Palestinian statehood, suggesting the decision would complicate future commercial agreements between the countries.

"Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh Canada!!!" Trump wrote on his social media platform.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney informed reporters Wednesday that Canada would recognize a Palestinian state, reinforcing his nation's longstanding commitment to a two-state solution.

Carney said that Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution for an independent, sustainable, and sovereign Palestinian state living alongside the State of Israel in peace and security, with Foreign Minister Anita Anand present.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the Turkish parliament during an extraordinary session on August 15, 2024 in Ankara, Turkey (Photo: Serdar Ozsoy/Getty Images)

"Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025," Carney declared, according to CNN. "We intend to do so because the Palestinian Authority has committed to lead a much needed reform."

Carney further revealed that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas provided assurances that his administration would conduct long-postponed elections in 2026, with Hamas having "no role" in the process.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/31/oh-canada-trump-responds-to-recognition-of-palestinian-state/feed/ Identity of Canadian Holocaust memorial vandal revealed https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/01/identity-of-canadian-holocaust-memorial-vandal-revealed/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/01/identity-of-canadian-holocaust-memorial-vandal-revealed/#respond Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:42 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1069803 In Ottawa, the capital of Canada, city officials announced this week the dismissal of 46-year-old municipal attorney Ian Aspenlieder, who was charged with defacing the city's Holocaust memorial by spray-painting graffiti reading "Feed me." The CBC reported that the Ottawa city council terminated Aspenlieder's employment. Stuart Huxley, the city's interim legal counsel, told Radio-Canada that […]

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In Ottawa, the capital of Canada, city officials announced this week the dismissal of 46-year-old municipal attorney Ian Aspenlieder, who was charged with defacing the city's Holocaust memorial by spray-painting graffiti reading "Feed me."

The CBC reported that the Ottawa city council terminated Aspenlieder's employment. Stuart Huxley, the city's interim legal counsel, told Radio-Canada that Aspenlieder had been on vacation at the time of the incident and "is no longer employed by the city."

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the developments were deeply troubling: "While I'm encouraged that the police investigation into the National Holocaust Monument incident is progressing, I'm very disturbed to learn that the individual charged was a city employee on leave," he said.

"As a community and as his employer, his actions at the monument do not reflect our values," Sutcliffe added. "I've asked city authorities to take all appropriate steps in light of these developments."

Aspenlieder, 46, has been charged with desecrating a war memorial, causing property damage exceeding $5,000, and engaging in threatening conduct.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/01/identity-of-canadian-holocaust-memorial-vandal-revealed/feed/ UK imposes historic sanctions on Israeli ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/10/uk-imposes-historic-sanctions-on-israeli-ministers-smotrich-and-ben-gvir/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/10/uk-imposes-historic-sanctions-on-israeli-ministers-smotrich-and-ben-gvir/#respond Mon, 09 Jun 2025 22:23:24 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1064853 In an unprecedented move in Israel-UK relations, Britain will place sanctions on senior Israeli officials. The Times of London reported on Tuesday that Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir will face formal sanctions for their comments about Gaza. Britain – joined by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other […]

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]]> In an unprecedented move in Israel-UK relations, Britain will place sanctions on senior Israeli officials. The Times of London reported on Tuesday that Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir will face formal sanctions for their comments about Gaza.

Britain – joined by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries – will enact asset freezes and travel restrictions on Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir and Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich on Tuesday.

The sanctions ban Smotrich and Ben-Gvir from entering the country or dealing with British financial institutions, similar to what senior Russians have faced due to the war in Ukraine.

Britain New Government
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech, following his first cabinet meeting as Prime Minister, in London, Saturday, July 6, 2024 (AP / Claudia Greco)

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that "we were informed about UK decision to include two of our ministers on the British sanctions list. It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to this kind of measures." He added that after his discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was decided that "we will hold a special government meeting early next week to decide on our response to this unacceptable decision."

In 2024, Ben-Gvir said, "We must encourage emigration. Encourage the voluntary emigration of the residents of Gaza." Smotrich recently said no aid should come to Gaza, ""Not even a grain of wheat will enter Gaza." At an Israel Hayom conference in August 2024, Smotrich said, humanitarian aid should be limited because it is a lifeline for the Hamas terror organization, which was holding 115 Israelis hostages at the time. He said, "We bring in aid because there is no choice. We can't, in the current global reality, manage a war. Nobody will let us cause two million civilians to die of hunger, even though it might be justified and moral, until our hostages are returned."

Foreign Secretary David Lammy had earlier indicated that sanctions were forthcoming due to the ministers' statements, which he labeled "monstrous." Addressing the House of Commons last month, he declared.

"We are now entering a dark new phase in this conflict. Netanyahu's government is planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need. "Yesterday, minister [Bezalel] Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces cleansing Gaza, destroying what's left of residents, Palestinians being relocated, he said, to third countries." He continued, saying, "We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms."

In May, leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a stern rebuke of Israel's intensified military operations in Gaza, calling the humanitarian crisis "intolerable" and urging an immediate halt to the offensive, according to a joint statement published on the UK government's website. The statement, released on May 19, 2025, also demanded that Israel allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza and condemned inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials suggesting forced displacement of civilians.

Several days later the British government imposed sanctions against key figures in the Israeli settlement movement in Judea and Samaria, as well as Israeli construction companies operating in the region.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/10/uk-imposes-historic-sanctions-on-israeli-ministers-smotrich-and-ben-gvir/feed/ Macron, in apparent U-turn, sets conditions for Palestinian statehood https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/08/macrons-makes-apparent-u-turn-sets-conditions-for-palestinian-statehood/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/08/macrons-makes-apparent-u-turn-sets-conditions-for-palestinian-statehood/#respond Sun, 08 Jun 2025 08:00:46 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1064199 France, Britain, and Canada have outlined conditions for the Palestine Liberation Organization and the terrorist organization Hamas in exchange for recognizing a process leading to a Palestinian state, sources told the Saudi channel Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday. A Western official familiar with the talks stated, "This path is mandatory, and without it, there will be […]

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]]> France, Britain, and Canada have outlined conditions for the Palestine Liberation Organization and the terrorist organization Hamas in exchange for recognizing a process leading to a Palestinian state, sources told the Saudi channel Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday. A Western official familiar with the talks stated, "This path is mandatory, and without it, there will be no recognition of a Palestinian state at this time." The conditions prioritize political reforms in the Palestinian Authority and the complete disarmament of Gaza.

According to Western and regional sources, the conditions are designed to prepare for a conference planned by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations headquarters in New York on June 17. The conference is expected to announce a pathway toward recognizing a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, contingent on specific demands for the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee has told Emmanuel Macron he can create a Palestinian state in France (Background: The French Riviera) (MOHD RASFAN / AFP; Oren Ben Hakoon; Benoit Tesier)

The Palestinian Authority has been informed by officials from these countries that the process requires political, economic, and administrative reforms, including holding free and fair elections, resuming the Palestinian parliament's activities, and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.

Hamas faces a demand for the total disarmament of Gaza and the transfer of its governance to an independent Palestinian entity, eventually to an elected Palestinian government. Additionally, Hamas must transform into a solely political party if it wishes to participate in elections.

The Western official clarified that these are not merely "conditions" but popular demands from Palestinian, regional, and international stakeholders. "It is not possible to recognize a Palestinian state without a political system that meets the people's demands for reform, elections, and accountability. It is not possible to stop the war in Gaza without disarmament," the official said. The Israeli side has informed all mediators and parties involved that it will not permit weapons in Gaza or the West Bank and will act against any terrorist cell, the official added.

Asharq Al-Awsat reported that Palestinian Authority and Hamas officials described the process as "impossible." Palestinian Authority figures warned that the path's implications would be severe, while Hamas officials stated, "The issue of weapons will always be tied to ending the occupation." A senior Hamas official added, "Even if we agree to disarm, Israel will not stop using it as a justification for continuing the siege and attacks. Every day they will say – there's a missile in a tunnel in this area, or shells in that area. They use this issue only to continue strikes and assassinations."

Macron signaled on Thursday that France may soon adopt a firmer diplomatic approach toward Israel, once again baselessly accusing Israel of creating a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reiterating a warning issued by France, Canada and the UK of possible sanctions.

Macron said discussions were "ongoing", and that the countries "will decide in the next couple of days if we need to harden our tone and take concrete steps regarding Israel." France is expected to host a conference on Gaza this month, without Israel's participation, which is expected to culminate with a push for Palestinian statehood.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and French leader Emmanuel Macron (Ludovic MARIN / AFP; Jack GUEZ / AFP; AP Photo/Alex Brandon;)

The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee mocked Macron for this effort and said the president could "carve out a Palestinian state from the French Riviera."

Israel's Foreign Ministry has rejected the claims of hunger and food shortages in Gaza, with a new scheme successfully launched several days ago to distribute goods through a US company and without going through Hamas. Israel calls the accusations "a blatant lie."

Several weeks ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a blistering condemnation of Macron, accusing him of siding with Hamas following his sharp criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. reported the extraordinary diplomatic clash that has further strained relations between the two nations.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/08/macrons-makes-apparent-u-turn-sets-conditions-for-palestinian-statehood/feed/ Canada's federal police launches war crimes investigations on Gaza war https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/03/canadas-federal-police-launches-war-crimes-investigations-on-gaza-war/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/03/canadas-federal-police-launches-war-crimes-investigations-on-gaza-war/#respond Tue, 03 Jun 2025 05:45:27 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1062963 The Toronto Star disclosed that Canada's federal law-enforcement agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), is investigating potential war crimes linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, yet the agency has shared few details. The RCMP confirmed the probe's existence but refused to clarify its extent, without noting whether any specific Israelis were being scrutinized. Canada has […]

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]]> The Toronto Star disclosed that Canada's federal law-enforcement agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), is investigating potential war crimes linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, yet the agency has shared few details. The RCMP confirmed the probe's existence but refused to clarify its extent, without noting whether any specific Israelis were being scrutinized. Canada has seen a sharp rise in anti-Israeli sentiment in recent months, with Jewish residents taking to the streets to take countermeasures as well as the Israeli government issuing a travel warning.

Per The Toronto Star, the RCMP began this inquiry discreetly in early 2024, unlike its widely publicized Ukraine war crimes investigation, which employed a hotline, dedicated webpage, and public campaigns to gather evidence. The Ukraine effort included airport signs, media interviews, and questionnaires targeting displaced Ukrainians' testimonies.

The Toronto Star explained that such probes, termed "structural investigations," operate under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program (CAHWCP), a joint effort by the RCMP, Department of Justice, Canada Border Services Agency, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The program seeks to block war criminals from finding refuge in Canada and pursues justice by sharing evidence globally or prosecuting domestically, though Canadian trials are uncommon.

The RCMP, in a statement to The Toronto Star, affirmed its neutrality, noting, "As a neutral law enforcement body, the RCMP considers allegations from all parties involved with impartiality." It declined further comment to safeguard the investigation's integrity.

RCMP Chief Superintendent David Hall speaks with Cst. Alison Sizer on Kaypong after a press conference of the joint security forces for a G7 Meeting June 2, 2025 (Dave Chidley/The Canadian Press via AP)

 Canada, the UK, and France have recently criticized Israel's expanded Gaza operations and threatened sanctions, while urging Hamas to free hostages. Canada also called on Israel to abandon plans for 22 new West Bank settlements, labeling them illegal.

The Department of Justice informed The Toronto Star that structural investigations may start when evidence of war crimes or genocide exists and a significant related immigrant community in Canada can provide evidence. The Toronto Star referenced a widely discredited UN commission reports alleging war crimes by both Hamas and Israel since October 2023. The Justice Department confirmed that the RCMP independently decides to launch such probes, declining to discuss active cases beyond Ukraine.

The Toronto Star highlighted the RCMP's customized approach to investigations, noting the Israel-Hamas probe's lower profile compared to the Ukraine effort, announced six weeks after Russia's 2022 invasion. Marco Mendicino, then-Public Safety Minister and currently Prime Minister Mark Carney's chief of staff, told The Globe and Mail that accountability and real-time evidence collection were critical in Ukraine.

"As we see human casualties pile up and the scale and size of this humanitarian crisis grow alarmingly, it is important that we hold those who are committing the atrocities responsible," the former minister said at the time. "It is essential that we preserve the record of what happened and what is happening in Ukraine in real time," added Mendicino, who has been serving on a temporary basis as Prime Minister Mark Carney's chief of staff.

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