麻豆影视

Politics

    • A glimpse of Palestinian life under occupation strengthens resolve of some MPs to push for Gaza ceasefire

    Share

    A Canadian delegation of parliamentarians and advocates is returning from a fact-finding mission in the West Bank with a better understanding of the plight of Palestinians living under occupation and the rising tensions with Israelis as the war on Hamas wages on beyond 100 days.

    During the six-day trip, the delegates met with Palestinian refugees, aid workers, Canadian consular officials and Jewish peace activists. The goal of their trip was to get insight from people in the region about what Canada can do to advance peace and security in the region when the war in Gaza ends.

    鈥淚'm seized with just how difficult life is for Palestinians. And I'm seized with how much grief there is for Israelis and Palestinians right now, as they grapple with what is happening in Gaza,鈥 said NDP Member of Parliament, Heather McPherson in a Zoom interview during the trip. She is one of five MPs on the trip, which included two Liberals and three New Democrats.

    Their trip began in Jordan and took them into East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

    In Amman, the group met with Canada鈥檚 ambassador to Jordan and visited a United Nations refugee camp and school.

    Scarborough Liberal MP Salma Zahid said she was moved by the concerns of Palestinian teenagers she encountered who desperately hoped for a better future.

    鈥淭hey are really concerned about the killing of the innocent children in Gaza and the fact that the children in Gaza haven't been able to go to school,鈥 said Zahid.

    鈥漈hey told me that books are being used as fuel to cook food for many families - that鈥檚 going to stick with me for a long time.鈥

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Checkpoints and control

    The life Palestinians live while under Israeli control immediately came into focus for the delegates as they crossed from Jordan into the occupied Palestinian territory. Traffic was snarled at the border, and the group was forced to go through multiple police checkpoints.

    鈥淚t鈥檚 a very tense environment,鈥 said Usama Khan, the CEO of Islamic Relief Canada, who was part of the 20-person delegation. Khan says their 100-kilometre journey from Amman to Jerusalem took more than four hours.

    鈥淭hey were stopping all the cars and ensuring that everyone had their IDs. There are fears for safety because of settler violence.鈥

    The trip was organized by Canadian Muslim Vote, a non-partisan organization that aims to increase civic engagement within the community. Organizers say invitations were extended to representatives of all parties, but only some expressed interest in the trip.

    In November, three Conservative MPs and two Liberals travelled to Israel to show 鈥渟olidarity鈥 with Israelis whose families were killed on Oct. 7 by Hamas. That trip was sponsored by United Jewish Appeal. On its website, the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto describes one of its priorities as 鈥渟tanding up for the Jewish homeland.鈥

    Approximately 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 others taken hostage in the surprise attacks by militants on border communities and at a concert. Canada has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.

    Hearing from Israeli victims

    McPherson says one of the most emotional moments for her was meeting with the families and friends of Hamas victims, including some who knew Vivian Silver, the Winnipeg peace activist. She says those conversations highlighted the deep pain that is prevalent in the region.

    鈥淥ne of the Israelis spoke about how his mentor, somebody he had grown up with and worked with, was killed on October 7. That somebody had encouraged him to join the peace movement.鈥

    Although those conversations revealed rifts, McPherson says some of those Jewish voices called on Canada to 鈥渄o more to put pressure on Israel to align with international law鈥 in Gaza.

    According to the Gaza Health Authority, which is operated by Hamas, more than 24,000 Palestinians have died since bombardments began. More than 60,000 people are injured 鈥 many more victims are trapped under rubble. The White House says it doesn鈥檛 dispute those numbers.

    Most of the enclave, which is half the size of Toronto, has been destroyed. The United Nations says the war has triggered a famine and more than two million people are at risk of starvation and disease. The majority of the population has fled from the north to southern Gaza, crowded into fewer areas that designated safe from Israeli air and artillery strikes.

    Canadian delegation in Amman Jordan (Courtesy Jeffrey Jedras)

    So close, yet so far

    Gaza is approximately 80 km from East Jerusalem where the delegation visited Al Makassed Hospital. The facility treats Palestinian patients in the West Bank.

    In their visit to Makassed, Khan said doctors recounted frustration at being unable to help their fellow Palestinians trapped in the war zone.

    鈥淧eople feel helpless in Jerusalem that they can't do anything for people who don't have food and water. They're so close yet so far.鈥

    Hospital staff recounted to the delegation how they tried to help save 39 premature babies in Gaza. In November, the largest hospital in the enclave, Al-Shifa, collapsed from a lack of power, oxygen and water. The Israeli military claimed there was a Hamas command centre underneath the facility.

    After Al-Shifa was attacked, medical workers could no longer provide critical care for the tiny lives who were being kept alive in incubators.

    Al Makassed Hospital had capacity and offered to care for the infants, but it was not granted permission by the Israeli government to take the babies.

    It would take a week before the babies  and taken to a hospital in Rafah in southern Gaza. The infants were transferred without their parents and, according to the World Health Organization, eight infants died waiting for a rescue.

    Later as the south came under more bombardments the surviving babies were moved to Egypt for continuing care.

    鈥淭here is no freedom of movement and it鈥檚 been going on for decades,鈥 says Khan 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the level of frustration that exists here. Life and death are always in a balance.鈥 

    But Khan said he did see glimmers of hope. Some of the best doctors at Al Makassed were trained in Canada through fellowships sponsored by Islamic Relief Canada. For Khan that shows that Canadians can make a difference in the lives of Palestinians.

    The three delegates 麻豆影视 spoke with say their experience has strengthened their resolve. When they return to Canada they says will continue advocating for a ceasefire, knowing that a path forward can鈥檛 be traveled until the bombs stop falling.

    IN DEPTH

    Opinion

    opinion

    opinion Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike

    When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing.

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    The British Columbia election campaign is set to officially start today, with Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin issuing the writ for the Oct. 19 vote.

    A northern Ontario man is facing a $12,000 fine after illegally shooting a moose near the Batchawan River.

    Unusual flippered feet are making their way into the Saint Lawrence River this weekend. Led by underwater explorer and filmmaker Nathalie Lasselin, volunteer divers are combing the riverbed near Beauharnois in Mont茅r茅gie to remove hundreds of tires that have been polluting the aquatic environment for decades.

    A sea lion swam free after a rescue team disentangled it near Vancouver Island earlier this week.

    Canada

    • A man is facing numerous drug trafficking charges after Dufferin OPP seized a large assortment of drugs and weapons in Orangeville earlier this week.

    • The London Police Service (LPS) is currently investigating a suspicious death in the east end.

    • The British Columbia election campaign is set to officially start today, with Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin issuing the writ for the Oct. 19 vote.

    • A sea lion swam free after a rescue team disentangled it near Vancouver Island earlier this week.

    • A northern Ontario man is facing a $12,000 fine after illegally shooting a moose near the Batchawan River.

    • A body has been found in the vicinity where a woman went missing on the Ottawa River near Pembroke, Ont. while kayaking Tuesday night, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

    World

    Politics

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    • Tattoos are becoming more common in today's society and, as a result, appear to be more acceptable in the workplace than they used to be.

    • How to win the fight with kids over phone use

      The end of the day 鈥 when school, extracurricular activities and homework are (hopefully) finally done 鈥 is the window that many kids have for downtime. It can be a struggle to convince them not to go on their phones.

    • While slang may come and go, experts say the phenomenon behind them, which constantly churns out brand-new bon mots, is as old as language itself.

    Sports

    • Jonathan Aranda homered for the second consecutive game, helping Taj Bradley and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on Saturday.

    • Kiefer Sherwood spent several nights last spring chasing Quinn Hughes around the ice and generally pestering the Vancouver Canucks.

    • Cole Haas is more than just an avid fan of the F.W. Johnson Wildcats football team. He's a fixture on the sidelines, a source of encouragement, and a beloved member of the team.

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    Cole Haas is more than just an avid fan of the F.W. Johnson Wildcats football team. He's a fixture on the sidelines, a source of encouragement, and a beloved member of the team.

    Getting a photograph of a rainbow? Common. Getting a photo of a lightning strike? Rare. Getting a photo of both at the same time? Extremely rare, but it happened to a Manitoba photographer this week.

    An anonymous business owner paid off the mortgage for a New Brunswick not-for-profit.

    They say a dog is a man鈥檚 best friend. In the case of Darren Cropper, from Bonfield, Ont., his three-year-old Siberian husky and golden retriever mix named Bear literally saved his life.

    A growing group of brides and wedding photographers from across the province say they have been taken for tens of thousands of dollars by a Barrie, Ont. wedding photographer.

    Paleontologists from the Royal B.C. Museum have uncovered "a trove of extraordinary fossils" high in the mountains of northern B.C., the museum announced Thursday.

    The search for a missing ancient 28-year-old chocolate donkey ended with a tragic discovery Wednesday.

    The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is celebrating an important milestone in the organization's history: 50 years since the first women joined the force.

    It's been a whirlwind of joyful events for a northern Ontario couple who just welcomed a baby into their family and won the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot last month.

    • A six-year-old girl who was reported missing in northern B.C. earlier this week remains unaccounted for, and "significant resources from across the province" have joined in the search, police said Saturday.

    • Volunteers and staff members gathered along Vancouver鈥檚 Stanley Park Seawall Saturday to pick up litter as part of International Coastal Cleanup Day.

    • A heritage home in Vancouver suffered "extensive damage" in a fire that broke out late Saturday morning, according to firefighters.

    • A 23-year-old man has been arrested after one person was found dead at a home in Richmond Hill Saturday morning.

    • Toronto police are investigating a shooting in Scarborough that left one person injured Saturday night.

    • A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle involved in a collision in Scarborough Saturday evening, Toronto police said.

    • Milla White from Cochrane literally drew her way into a meeting with former boxer and actor Mickey Rourke.

    • The water coming from your taps might be a bit murky Saturday, but Calgary remains on schedule to end all water restrictions on Sunday.

    • For 12 hours Saturday Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPCK) employees, service personnel and corporate teams rode spin bikes to raise funds and awareness for charities focusing on housing homeless veterans in Canada and the U.S.

    • A potential move to LeBreton Flats for the Ottawa Senators is still years away, but questions and concerns are already being raised about what to do with the Canadian Tire Centre.

    • The Taste of Wellington 2024 wraps up Saturday in Ottawa.

    • A body has been found in the vicinity where a woman went missing on the Ottawa River near Pembroke, Ont. while kayaking Tuesday night, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

    • Montrealers can get used to taking a stroll on several car-free streets during the summer in the years to come thanks to a new commitment from the city.

    • Three men were injured after trying to subdue a man armed with a knife during afternoon prayers at a Montreal-area mosque Friday afternoon.

    • Unusual flippered feet are making their way into the Saint Lawrence River this weekend. Led by underwater explorer and filmmaker Nathalie Lasselin, volunteer divers are combing the riverbed near Beauharnois in Mont茅r茅gie to remove hundreds of tires that have been polluting the aquatic environment for decades.

    • The Edmonton Police Service is looking for a person of interest in connection with a suspicious fire that destroyed a multi-unit building and damaged several townhomes earlier this week.

    • Tattoos are becoming more common in today's society and, as a result, appear to be more acceptable in the workplace than they used to be.

    • Two people have been charged after a daylight shooting in Red Deer earlier this week.

    • Halifax Regional Police warned the public of a series of high-value thefts targeting retail stores Friday.

    • Pictou County District RCMP is investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Thorburn, N.S., Saturday.

    • A proposal for additional parking to accommodate upgrades at the Irving Pulp & Paper Mill in Saint John, N.B., would add an estimated 500 parking spots at Wolastoq Park.

    • The search for a missing six-year-old boy in Shamattawa is continuing Friday as RCMP hope recent tips can help lead to a happy conclusion.

    • A herd of dogs paid visit to patients and residents at Riverview Health Centre during an annual event that lifts spirits and wags tails.

    • While slang may come and go, experts say the phenomenon behind them, which constantly churns out brand-new bon mots, is as old as language itself.

    • Fire officials are investigating after a fire completely destroyed the community fridge in the Cathedral neighborhood.

    • The last two months after losing her daughter Bella have been extremely difficult for Kyla Thomson.

    • Regina police arrested three youths in connection to a bear mace incident at a Regina high school on Friday.

    • The Cambridge Professional Fire Fighters鈥 Association held their annual Muscular Dystrophy Boot Drive on Saturday.

    • Protests were held in front of Kitchener City Hall on Friday, both for and against LGBTQ2S+ inclusive education and queer rights in schools.

    • Police said the pedestrian, a 52-year-old man, was taken to an out-of-region hospital with life-threatening injuries and the driver of the vehicle failed to remain at the scene.

    • The 75-year-old building, formerly the Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce building, was relocated to the Parks Canada compound on the edge of the townsite.

    • Saskatchewan RCMP major crimes unit is investigating after a man鈥檚 body was found on Sweetgrass First Nation.

    • Motors were roaring, and tires were spinning as Saskatoon's biggest names in motocross gathered together for the 50-year anniversary of the club's founding on Saturday.

    • A motorcyclist has died following a serious collision that took place in London鈥檚 south end on Friday afternoon.

    • The London Police Service (LPS) is currently investigating a suspicious death in the east end.

    • The St. Thomas police is asking the public for help locating a missing man.

    • The Barrie Skateboard Association (BSA) hosted a unique competition at the City's Skate Park on Saturday to celebrate its 25th anniversary, which showcased the park's importance and the growth of skateboarding in the region.

    • A man is facing numerous drug trafficking charges after Dufferin OPP seized a large assortment of drugs and weapons in Orangeville earlier this week.

    • One person is in hospital after an e-bike crash in Orillia on Thursday.

    • The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is celebrating a year of festivities in anticipation of its 50th anniversary in 2025.

    • The St. Clair College golf teams were successful at the Niagara Knights Invitational tournament on Friday.

    • A LaSalle high school is celebrating its emerald anniversary this weekend, with everyone who has ever walked its halls invited to return.

    • A man who was found dead behind a curling rink in Nanaimo, B.C., earlier this month was the victim of a homicide, police confirmed.

    • A sea lion swam free after a rescue team disentangled it near Vancouver Island earlier this week.

    • A six-year-old girl who was reported missing in northern B.C. earlier this week remains unaccounted for, and "significant resources from across the province" have joined in the search, police said Saturday.

    • A pair of runaway pigs are in the custody of an animal sanctuary in the Okanagan after evading police and volunteers for hours earlier this week.

    • The Red Bridge, a historic landmark in Kamloops, B.C., was completely destroyed by fire early Thursday morning.

    • Animal protection officers in British Columbia have rescued three pit bulls 鈥 including one that gave birth to 10 puppies 鈥 from a rat-infested home in Kelowna.

    • Despite the heavy rain, plenty of muscle turned up for United Way鈥檚 annual Pull the Bus fundraiser in Lethbridge Friday.

    • Lethbridge County has rescinded its fire restriction as a result of the recent cool, wet weathr.

    • The Lethbridge Hurricanes kicked off the 2024-25 season on a winning note Friday night, defeating the Edmonton Oil Kings 3-1 in a game played at VisitLethbridge.com Arena.

    • A northern Ontario man is facing a $12,000 fine after illegally shooting a moose near the Batchawan River.

    • Following an outbreak of COVID-19 on its continuing care floor and just ahead of the flu season, St. Joseph鈥檚 General Hospital in Elliot Lake has opted to re-introduce a universal masking policy until further notice.

    • A 26-year-old driver from Surrey, B.C., has been charged with three counts of criminal negligence causing death and bodily harm in a crash that killed two youths in northern Ontario last year.

    N.L.

    Stay Connected
    Follow 麻豆影视