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Toronto Lights Up the Waterfront: New Year’s Eve Celebrations Set to Dazzle the GTA

  Toronto is preparing for one of its most vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations yet, with the city’s waterfront transforming into a massive outdoor festival to welcome 2026. Beginning at 10 p.m., the Harbourfront area will come alive with live music, DJ sets, roaming performers, and illuminated art installations stretching from Harbourfront Centre to Sherbourne Common. The night’s biggest draw will be a 10‑minute fireworks display launched over the inner harbour , offering sweeping views from along the lakeshore. The show is designed to be visible from multiple waterfront vantage points, giving thousands of residents and visitors a chance to ring in the new year under a bright skyline. Transit agencies across the region are stepping up to support the festivities. TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express will offer free rides from 7 p.m. on December 31 until 8 a.m. on January 1 , with extended service to help crowds travel safely throughout the night. Beyond downtown, communities across t...

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Israel Agrees to Gaza Ceasefire Framework: Now Awaiting Hamas’ Decision

 


In a significant development, Israel has essentially endorsed a framework for a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The ball is now in Hamas’ court as they must decide whether to agree to it. A senior U.S. administration official revealed this information on Saturday, just a day before talks are scheduled to resume in Egypt.

The proposed framework includes a six-week ceasefire, which could provide much-needed relief to the conflict-weary region. Additionally, Hamas would be required to release hostages considered vulnerable, including the sick, wounded, elderly, and women. The Israelis have “more or less accepted” this proposal, according to the official. However, the final decision rests with Hamas, and efforts are ongoing to encourage their cooperation.

International mediators have been working tirelessly to broker this deal before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (around March 10). If successful, the agreement would allow aid to reach hundreds of thousands of desperate Palestinians in northern Gaza. These individuals are currently under the threat of famine due to the ongoing conflict.

In response to the dire situation, U.S. military planes have initiated airdrops of thousands of meals into Gaza. Jordan and Egypt have also conducted similar airdrops. However, aid groups emphasize that airdrops should be a last resort. Instead, they advocate for the opening of other crossings into Gaza and the removal of obstacles at the few existing ones.

The European Union’s diplomatic service has expressed concern over the chaos surrounding an aid convoy in Gaza. Many of the hundreds of Palestinians killed or wounded during the incident were hit by Israeli army fire. The EU calls for an international investigation, attributing the crisis to "restrictions imposed by the Israeli army and obstructions by violent extremists to the supply of humanitarian aid".

As the talks continue, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a breakthrough that will alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.


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