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Israeli Strikes Level Gaza City Towers Amid Mass Evacuations

  Smoke and flames rise after an Israeli military strike on a building in Gaza City, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Israeli forces have destroyed multiple high-rise buildings in Gaza City following evacuation warnings to residents, as the military intensifies its campaign to seize control of the area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed striking three towers on Sunday — including the Kawthar Tower, Mahna Tower, and a building on the Islamic University campus — which it said were being used by Hamas for surveillance and operational planning. The demolitions come days after the IDF ordered the entire population of Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a planned ground offensive. Israeli officials estimate that more than 300,000 Palestinians have fled so far, though hundreds of thousands remain. The United Nations and aid agencies warn that the displacement of such large numbers will worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis, with overcrowding and shortages reported in southern Gaza. Loca...
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Mixed Reactions as Federal Government’s GST Holiday Takes Effect

 

The federal government’s two-month GST holiday, which began on Saturday, has elicited mixed reactions from both businesses and shoppers across Canada. The temporary tax break, aimed at easing affordability concerns during the holiday season, waives the five percent goods and services tax on a range of items including restaurant meals, children’s clothing, and toys.

Businesses Struggle with Compliance

Many businesses have found the implementation of the GST holiday to be an administrative burden. Patrick Neault, general manager of Raffin Bookstore in Montreal, mentioned that his staff had to work extra hours to ensure compliance with the new regulations. “It’s not that much of a deal. It’s like a few percent discount on a transaction,” Neault said, expressing doubt about whether the benefits outweigh the extra work.

Shoppers Show Limited Enthusiasm

Shoppers have also shown lukewarm enthusiasm for the tax break. While some, like Katrina Rose from Halifax, took advantage of the savings on holiday purchases, others, like Jennifer Matthew, felt the savings were too minimal to make a significant impact. “I don’t think it’s going to put a big dent in my wallet by any means,” Matthew said.

Conclusion

As the GST holiday continues until February 15, 2025, businesses and shoppers alike are cautiously optimistic about its potential benefits. While some appreciate the temporary relief, others remain skeptical about its long-term impact.




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