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Massive Russian Strikes Cripple Ukraine’s Power Grid Ahead of Peace Talks

An employee works at a thermal power plant damaged by multiple Russian missile strikes, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Russian forces launched a sweeping overnight assault on Ukraine’s energy network, striking multiple regions just hours before planned peace discussions. The barrage targeted major cities including Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaging power stations and transmission lines that millions rely on for heat and electricity during freezing winter conditions. Ukrainian officials reported widespread outages, with emergency crews working through the night to stabilize the grid. Residential areas were also hit, leaving civilians injured and prompting renewed concerns about the humanitarian toll of the conflict. The timing of the strikes has drawn sharp criticism from Ukrainian leaders, who argue the attacks are intended to undermine the upcoming negotiations and pressure Kyiv at the bargaining table. Despite the escalation, both sides are still expected to attend the talks, thou...

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Canada Imposes Sanctions on Extremist Israeli Settlers in the West Bank

 

 In a significant move, Canada has imposed sanctions on individuals accused of engaging in violence against Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank. These are the first-ever sanctions targeting extremist Israeli settlers under the Special Economic Measures Act. The escalating violence by extremist settlers has undermined human rights, prospects for a two-state solution, and regional security. Since October 7, 2023, there have been at least 800 settler attacks against Palestinians, resulting in verbal or physical assaults, property damage, and forced displacement of communities.

The Sanctioned Individuals:

  1. David Chai Chasdai
  2. Yinon Levi
  3. Zvi Bar Yosef
  4. Moshe Sharvit

These individuals are now prohibited from dealings related to Canada and are rendered inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Canada remains committed to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, opposing the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized that acts of extremist settler violence are unacceptable, and perpetrators will face consequences. The rise in violence poses significant risks to peace and security in the region, affecting families forced to leave their homes due to threats by extremist settlers.

Canada’s stance aligns with the Geneva Convention, which applies in the occupied territories and establishes Israel’s obligations as an occupying power regarding the humane treatment of inhabitants. While other countries like the U.S., U.K., and EU have also taken measures against violent Israeli settlers, Canada’s recent sanctions represent a crucial step in addressing this ongoing violence.

As the situation unfolds, Canada continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution and justice for affected communities in the West Bank.

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