Latest news with #GlobalAffairs
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ottawa amps up criticism of Israel over 'appalling conditions' in Gaza
OTTAWA — Ottawa issued a stronger condemnation of Israel's restrictions on food aid in Gaza this week as the country's ambassador continues to reject claims that Israel is violating humanitarian law. On Wednesday, Canada also joined European leaders in condemning escalating settler violence in the West Bank. In a Tuesday night post on X by Global Affairs Canada's development branch, the department again called on Israel to allow the United Nations to resume humanitarian work in Gaza after days of shooting incidents at aid distribution sites following a nearly three-month blockade. "Canada is deeply alarmed by reports of mass deaths and injuries of Palestinians, as well as ongoing scenes of chaos and appalling conditions as people in Gaza attempt to access limited aid," the post says. The tone of the statement is much sharper than Ottawa's messaging on Israel in recent months. It came from the department's aid branch instead of its social media account on diplomatic affairs, which reposted the message. In the statement, the department criticized a reported evacuation order for what Ottawa called the last operational medical facility in northern Gaza — the Al-Awda Hospital. Global Affairs said it's "alarmed" by the move. "Absence of medical care is unacceptable. Canada urges Israel to protect hospitals and ensure the continuity of medical services to the civilian population," the statement reads. The Associated Press reported that the hospital has been encircled by Israeli troops and has come under fire in recent days. Israeli Ambassador Iddo Moed responded to Tuesday's statement by repeating Israel's claim that Hamas has been stealing large amounts of UN aid. "Israel is fully committed to making sure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it," he wrote, defending the aid distribution work of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is backed by Israel and the U.S. He said the organization "ensures direct distribution to the people of Gaza. Hamas terrorists are responsible for putting civilians in harm's way, both Israeli and Palestinian." In its statement, Global Affairs called on Hamas to release the 58 remaining hostages taken from Israel in its brutal October 2023 attack. Canada has said that Hamas must not be allowed a role in governing Gaza but did not mention the group by name in its Tuesday statement. The Israeli government set up the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to distribute aid in four locations in Gaza, effectively shutting down hundreds of sites that had been operated by international agencies across the territory. Israel says it had to take this step to prevent aid from reaching Hamas. The UN and aid groups have said aid diversion is not happening to any significant degree. Virtually all major aid groups say that the current system does not deliver enough aid and it sets a dangerous precedent to allow a warring party to control aid distribution. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation insists it has successfully distributed aid and has disputed reports of near-daily shootings at or near its distribution sites. The Hamas-run interior ministry has urged Palestinians not to "co-operate" with the aid distribution system and has threatened unspecified consequences. Aid groups have described chaotic scenes of violence as crowds of desperate Palestinians rush aid distribution centres while Israeli soldiers fire shots nearby. Ottawa-based Human Concern International paused 17 aid trucks destined for Gaza last week and accused Israel of imposing a dangerous distribution system. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has refused to disclose whether it receives any public or private funds from Canada. On Wednesday, Canada joined the European Union and the U.K. in a joint statement condemning "escalating settler violence and a prevailing climate of impunity" in the West Bank. The statement spoke about the Palestinian community of Mughayyir a-Deir being forced to flee, framing it as part of "a broader and deeply troubling pattern of violent settler attacks and a lack of protection by the Israeli authorities." The statement decried "a coercive environment marked by repeated settler violence, movement restrictions, land confiscation, demolitions and inadequate access to essential services" and said that the "forcible transfer" of Palestinians undermines prospects for peace in the region. Tuesday's comments follow a Monday post by MP Randeep Sarai, the secretary of state for international development, who said Palestinians face "profoundly disturbing" hunger in Gaza and "must be protected and treated with dignity." The federal Liberals have been taking heat from human rights groups for not following through on a threat last month to impose targeted sanctions on Israel if the situation worsens in the Palestinian territories. Since then, international organizations have repeatedly warned of a risk of famine in Gaza, while the Israel government has said it will expand settlements in the West Bank. In a newspaper column this week, Moed accused Hamas of spreading misinformation about what's happening in Gaza and said this is contributing to a rise in antisemitic violence. Israel bars foreign journalists from entering Gaza without being accompanied by Israeli soldiers. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025. Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press
Globe and Mail
03-06-2025
- General
- Globe and Mail
Federal officials drafted travel warnings in response to Trump executive orders
Federal officials drafted warnings about travelling to the U.S. for Canadians and permanent residents in response to executive orders issued by President Donald Trump this year but did not post them, internal documents obtained through access to information legislation show. A document – entitled 'Potential impact of EOs on Canadians travelling to the USA Draft travel advice updates' – was drawn up by Global Affairs' C Branch, which deals with emergency management as well as travel advice. One section (entitled 'Scenarios and Options for Senior Management consideration. Communications to Canadians in the United States') suggests Canadians consider returning home if they do not have proper documents to stay in the U.S. Also addressed is an executive order entitled 'Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.' The American directive, issued on January 20, aims to enhance screening and vetting of foreign nationals entering the U.S. American civil-rights groups have warned that the order may lead to the reinstatement of a ban on travellers from predominantly Muslim or Arab countries that Mr. Trump introduced during his first term as President. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee has said it relies on the same statutory authority that was used to justify that 2017 travel ban. What are Trump's executive orders on immigration, the 'border emergency' and birthright citizenship? The internal Global Affairs document, drawn up earlier this year, contains drafts of several potential travel advisories that could be issued in response, including versions to be used if bans for particular countries are introduced. Most of them reassure Canadian citizens and permanent residents that they would not be affected. 'The Government of Canada has been informed that Canadians travelling with a Canadian passport, including dual citizens who have Canadian citizenship and citizenship from one of the following X countries: INSERT COUNTRIES, will not be affected by the Executive Order,' the document says. Another draft option reads: 'Similarly, entry requirements for Canadian permanent residents with a valid Canadian permanent resident card and a passport from one of those seven countries remain unchanged because of the Executive Order.' But another says: 'Permanent Residents of Canada from one of the above seven countries should consult Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the Executive Order for information on entry requirements.' Federal civil servants also suggested specific updates to Ottawa's official advice after Mr. Trump signed an executive order in January declaring that the U.S. government now recognizes only two sexes: male and female. American transgender woman files asylum claim in Canada after Trump's edict on gender It suggests a 'generic update' to advice for Canadians with an X on their passport, rather than an F or M, that says 'you might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the 'X" gender identifier." It adds: 'Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.' About 3,600 Canadians have X on their passport, according to the federal Immigration Department. The government already offers general travel advice for transgender and non-binary Canadians, including that 'foreign laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can be very different from those in Canada. As a result, you could face certain barriers and risks when you travel outside Canada.' 'Transgender advocate Fae Johnstone, executive director of Queer Momentum, a Canadian LGBTQ advocacy group, said she was pleased that officials were thinking about an update, but speculated that politicians may have vetoed its publication because 'Canada is not wanting to pick new fights with Donald Trump.' 'We do need updated travel guidance for people who have X on their passport. It feels like there's a way to do this which isn't about picking a fight with America, but supporting trans folks," she said. Scores of transgender Americans seeking route to Canada, including through asylum claims The U.S. has said that its border agents will recognize Canadian passports with an X. The Global Affairs document was obtained by researcher Ken Rubin through an access to information request and shared with the Globe and Mail. It emphasizes that, 'It is too early to tell how the different EOs will impact Canadians travelling to the United States. The travel advice found in this document is subject to change and was drafted by making assumptions on the possible implications the EOs will have on Cansits' [Canadian citizens]. In March, Global Affairs updated its travel advice to make Canadians visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days aware of a new U.S. rule requiring them to register with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. In April, it further updated its guidance, telling Canadians to 'expect scrutiny' from U.S. border guards, who may look through phones and laptops. 'Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation.' In a statement on Friday, Global Affairs spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod said, 'The intent of the updates is to ensure Canadians have accurate information about travelling to the United States and that they know which U.S. Government sources to turn to for official advice.' She added that, 'Officials prepare in advance to respond to a variety of possible scenarios, based on new information, analysis of trends, and historical examples. This preparation includes developing draft templates of text that can be quickly adapted to respond to a specific situation if needed, based on the most recent information.'
Epoch Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Trump Says Joining Golden Dome Project Would Cost Canada $61 Billion
U.S. President Donald Trump says it would cost Canada US$61 billion to partner in the Golden Dome missile defence system he is planning. The U.S. president also repeated his previous point that Canada should become a part of the United States, saying America's northern neighbour could benefit from the project for free if it became the 51st state. 'I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State,' Trump said in a Truth Social 'They are considering the offer!' Global Affairs Canada pushed back on the comment, saying Canada will remain a sovereign nation. 'The Prime Minister has been clear at every opportunity, including in his conversations with President Trump, that Canada is an independent, sovereign nation, and it will remain one,' Global Affairs said in a media statement. Related Stories 5/21/2025 5/21/2025 The department also repeated that Canada is contemplating joining the Golden Dome initiative. 'Canadians gave the Prime Minister a strong mandate to negotiate a comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States. To that end, the Prime Minister and his Ministers are having wide-ranging and constructive discussions with their American counterparts,' Global Affairs said. 'These discussions naturally include strengthening NORAD and related initiatives such as the Golden Dome.' The US$175 billion proposed Golden Dome system, announced on May 20, involves the creation of a network of sensors and weaponry to intercept cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and drones. The U.S. president has said the system is aimed at blocking threats from China and Russia. Trump first said on May 20 that Canada had expressed interest in the project. 'I guess that's what I was talking about from day one. You know, it just automatically makes sense, and it won't be very difficult to do, but they'll pay their fair share,' Trump said at the time. The Prime Minister's Office said on the same day that the government is having 'wide-ranging and constructive discussions' with the Americans on defence cooperation, including on the proposed Golden Dome system. Prime Minister Mark Carney said on May 21 that if it's in Canada's 'best interest' to cooperate with the Americans on any defence initiatives, his government would do so. 'It's a good idea to have protection against missiles in place for Canadians from now on. There are threats. There will be threats. There are threats now coming from North Korea, China,' Carney said in French. 'We clearly need to be more proactive, because you know, from the time you see a missile, there's not much time. So what's the point of saying there's a missile? You have 30 seconds to, well, do something about it. That's not good enough.' Canada is currently undertaking Canada has also committed to meet its NATO spending requirements of 2 percent of GDP by 2030, under pressure from the United States. Noe Chartier and Chandra Phillips contributed to this report.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governments condemn Israel for firing towards diplomats in West Bank
More than a dozen governments have condemned Israel after its forces fired in the direction of a diplomatic delegation near the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli army said its soldiers fired 'warning shots' after the foreign diplomats, who included representatives of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia and China, deviated from a previously agreed-on route. '[Israeli] soldiers operating in the area fired warning shots to distance them away,' Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. No one was injured in the incident. Here are some of the reactions from political leaders to the incident: The Israeli ambassador has been summoned to Global Affairs to see the minister and explain. We expect a full investigation and we expect an immediate explanation of what happened. It's totally unacceptable, it's some of many things that are totally unacceptable that's going on in the region. Today's events in Jenin are unacceptable. I have spoken to our diplomats who were affected. Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats allowed to do their jobs. There must be a full investigation, and those responsible should be held accountable. I am deeply shocked and horrified that the [Israeli forces] today opened fire on a group of diplomats visiting the town of Jenin. Thankfully, nobody was killed or injured. I unreservedly condemn this aggressive, intimidatory and violent act. This is not and must never be a normal way to behave. We ask the government of Israel to immediately clarify what happened. The threats against diplomats are unacceptable. Diplomats should be able to do their work, and threatening them is unacceptable. I have called the Dutch representative in the Palestinian territories and our ambassador to Israel and am relieved that the delegation is unharmed. We condemn the shooting, have requested clarification from the Israeli authorities and are considering further steps. A visit to Jenin, in which one of our diplomats was participating, was fired upon by Israeli soldiers. This is unacceptable. The Israeli ambassador will be summoned to explain. Full support to our agents on site and their remarkable work in trying conditions. This is a very serious and condemnable incident. I have spoken with the Finnish diplomat who was present at the situation. We demand an explanation from Israel about the situation. It is unacceptable that Israel has fired shots near foreign diplomats. It has no place anywhere and is completely unacceptable. The Danish head of mission in Ramallah was among the diplomats and is fortunately safe. In light of the seriousness of the situation, I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Israeli ambassador so that we can get an official explanation. I was shocked to learn that the Israeli army opened fire on 20 diplomats today, including a Belgian colleague. Fortunately, he is fine. These diplomats were on an official visit to Jenin, coordinated with the Israeli army, in a convoy of 20 clearly recognisable vehicles. Belgium is asking Israel for a convincing explanation. I condemn the attacks by [the Israeli military] against a group of diplomats in Jenin today. Diplomatic and consular staff enjoy a special status under international law and must be protected. These actions constitute a clear violation of international law and are deeply unacceptable. Portugal condemns the attack by the Israeli army on the diplomatic delegation in the Jenin refugee camp, West Bank. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs … expressed its solidarity with the Portuguese ambassador who was part of the delegation and will take the appropriate diplomatic measures. The Federal Foreign Office strongly condemns this unprovoked fire. We can count ourselves lucky that nothing more serious occurred. The group was travelling in the West Bank in the course of its diplomatic work and in coordination with the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli army. The role of diplomats as independent observers on the ground is indispensable and in no way represents a threat to Israeli security interests. The Israeli government must immediately investigate the circumstances and respect the inviolability of diplomats. Slovenia joins EU partners in condemning the gunfire that threatened foreign diplomats at Jenin camp. Such intimidation violates the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and is utterly unacceptable. We expect a prompt, transparent Israeli investigation, full accountability and guarantees of safe, unhindered access for all diplomatic missions. This is a clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and a crime that contravenes all diplomatic norms. The Ministry's official spokesperson, Ambassador Dr Sufyan Qudah, affirmed the kingdom's absolute rejection and strong condemnation of this targeting, which constitutes a violation of diplomatic agreements and norms, particularly the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which defines the procedures and controls governing diplomatic work and grants immunities to diplomatic missions. The state of Qatar strongly condemns the Israeli occupation forces for opening fire on an international diplomatic delegation during its visit to the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, and considered as a violation of international laws, conventions, and diplomatic norms. We condemn in the strongest terms the opening of fire by Israeli soldiers on a group of diplomats, including an official from the Turkish Consulate General in Jerusalem, during their visit to the city of Jenin. This attack, which endangered the lives of diplomats, is yet another demonstration of Israel's systematic disregard for international law and human rights. The targeting of diplomats constitutes a grave threat not only to individual safety but also to the mutual respect and trust that form the foundation of inter-state relations. The Arab Republic of Egypt emphasises its absolute rejection of this incident, which violates all diplomatic norms, and calls upon the Israeli side to provide the necessary clarifications regarding the circumstances of this incident. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Israeli ambassador in Montevideo to clarify the incident. Uruguay urges the Israeli government to investigate this incident and take the necessary measures to ensure the protection and allow the operations of diplomatic personnel accredited to the State of Palestine. The Israeli military justified the action by stating that the diplomatic delegation had invaded an 'unauthorised area'. However, there is no record of this occurring or of any officer approaching the delegation to verbally warn them in a timely manner. What happened violates the provisions of Article 29 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which establishes the inviolability of diplomatic agents. All States Parties to the aforementioned Convention, including Israel, are obliged to respect it. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will request the Israeli embassy in Mexico to provide the clarifications warranted by the case.
Al Jazeera
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Governments condemn Israel for firing towards diplomats in West Bank
More than a dozen governments have condemned Israel after its forces fired in the direction of a diplomatic delegation near the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli army said its soldiers fired 'warning shots' after the foreign diplomats, who included representatives of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia and China, deviated from a previously agreed-on route. '[Israeli] soldiers operating in the area fired warning shots to distance them away,' Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. No one was injured in the incident. Here are some of the reactions from political leaders to the incident: The Israeli ambassador has been summoned to Global Affairs to see the minister and explain. We expect a full investigation and we expect an immediate explanation of what happened. It's totally unacceptable, it's some of many things that are totally unacceptable that's going on in the region. Today's events in Jenin are unacceptable. I have spoken to our diplomats who were affected. Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats allowed to do their jobs. There must be a full investigation, and those responsible should be held accountable. I am deeply shocked and horrified that the [Israeli forces] today opened fire on a group of diplomats visiting the town of Jenin. Thankfully, nobody was killed or injured. I unreservedly condemn this aggressive, intimidatory and violent act. This is not and must never be a normal way to behave. We ask the government of Israel to immediately clarify what happened. The threats against diplomats are unacceptable. Diplomats should be able to do their work, and threatening them is unacceptable. I have called the Dutch representative in the Palestinian territories and our ambassador to Israel and am relieved that the delegation is unharmed. We condemn the shooting, have requested clarification from the Israeli authorities and are considering further steps. A visit to Jenin, in which one of our diplomats was participating, was fired upon by Israeli soldiers. This is unacceptable. The Israeli ambassador will be summoned to explain. Full support to our agents on site and their remarkable work in trying conditions. This is a very serious and condemnable incident. I have spoken with the Finnish diplomat who was present at the situation. We demand an explanation from Israel about the situation. It is unacceptable that Israel has fired shots near foreign diplomats. It has no place anywhere and is completely unacceptable. The Danish head of mission in Ramallah was among the diplomats and is fortunately safe. In light of the seriousness of the situation, I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Israeli ambassador so that we can get an official explanation. I was shocked to learn that the Israeli army opened fire on 20 diplomats today, including a Belgian colleague. Fortunately, he is fine. These diplomats were on an official visit to Jenin, coordinated with the Israeli army, in a convoy of 20 clearly recognisable vehicles. Belgium is asking Israel for a convincing explanation. I condemn the attacks by [the Israeli military] against a group of diplomats in Jenin today. Diplomatic and consular staff enjoy a special status under international law and must be protected. These actions constitute a clear violation of international law and are deeply unacceptable. Portugal condemns the attack by the Israeli army on the diplomatic delegation in the Jenin refugee camp, West Bank. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs … expressed its solidarity with the Portuguese ambassador who was part of the delegation and will take the appropriate diplomatic measures. The Federal Foreign Office strongly condemns this unprovoked fire. We can count ourselves lucky that nothing more serious occurred. The group was travelling in the West Bank in the course of its diplomatic work and in coordination with the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli army. The role of diplomats as independent observers on the ground is indispensable and in no way represents a threat to Israeli security interests. The Israeli government must immediately investigate the circumstances and respect the inviolability of diplomats. Slovenia joins EU partners in condemning the gunfire that threatened foreign diplomats at Jenin camp. Such intimidation violates the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and is utterly unacceptable. We expect a prompt, transparent Israeli investigation, full accountability and guarantees of safe, unhindered access for all diplomatic missions. This is a clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and a crime that contravenes all diplomatic norms. The Ministry's official spokesperson, Ambassador Dr Sufyan Qudah, affirmed the kingdom's absolute rejection and strong condemnation of this targeting, which constitutes a violation of diplomatic agreements and norms, particularly the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which defines the procedures and controls governing diplomatic work and grants immunities to diplomatic missions. The state of Qatar strongly condemns the Israeli occupation forces for opening fire on an international diplomatic delegation during its visit to the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, and considered as a violation of international laws, conventions, and diplomatic norms. We condemn in the strongest terms the opening of fire by Israeli soldiers on a group of diplomats, including an official from the Turkish Consulate General in Jerusalem, during their visit to the city of Jenin. This attack, which endangered the lives of diplomats, is yet another demonstration of Israel's systematic disregard for international law and human rights. The targeting of diplomats constitutes a grave threat not only to individual safety but also to the mutual respect and trust that form the foundation of inter-state relations. The Arab Republic of Egypt emphasises its absolute rejection of this incident, which violates all diplomatic norms, and calls upon the Israeli side to provide the necessary clarifications regarding the circumstances of this incident. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Israeli ambassador in Montevideo to clarify the incident. Uruguay urges the Israeli government to investigate this incident and take the necessary measures to ensure the protection and allow the operations of diplomatic personnel accredited to the State of Palestine. The Israeli military justified the action by stating that the diplomatic delegation had invaded an 'unauthorised area'. However, there is no record of this occurring or of any officer approaching the delegation to verbally warn them in a timely manner. What happened violates the provisions of Article 29 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which establishes the inviolability of diplomatic agents. All States Parties to the aforementioned Convention, including Israel, are obliged to respect it. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will request the Israeli embassy in Mexico to provide the clarifications warranted by the case.
