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Ottawa Backs Down on Digital Tax Dispute Amid Pressure from Trump White House

Canada has reportedly agreed to delay its planned digital services tax (DST) following pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, according to a recent statement from the White House. The tax, which was originally slated to target tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and Google, had been a major sticking point in U.S.-Canada trade discussions. The White House claimed Canada “caved” to U.S. demands after months of negotiations, with Trump’s team arguing the tax unfairly targeted American firms. The Canadian government, however, framed the delay as a strategic move to preserve economic stability and avoid retaliatory tariffs. Critics within Canada argue that the government’s decision reflects a growing trend of yielding to U.S. economic influence, while others say the delay is pragmatic given ongoing global talks about a coordinated approach to taxing digital revenues. The issue remains contentious, and observers are watching closely to see whether Canada will revive th...

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Hostage Deal Breakthrough Amidst Mourning in Israel

In a significant development, mediators have successfully brokered a breakthrough in the Gaza hostage deal, bringing hope amidst the ongoing conflict. The agreement comes as Israel mourns the tragic loss of the Bibas family, who were among the youngest hostages seized during the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants.

The deal, finalized in Cairo, involves the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the bodies of Israeli hostages. This breakthrough is expected to ease tensions and maintain the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The agreement was reached just as a funeral procession for Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, took place in Rishon LeZion, Israel.

The Bibas family, who were kidnapped from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, have become a symbol of the trauma suffered by Israel during the conflict. Thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects, carrying Israeli flags and orange balloons, a new symbol of mourning for the hostages.

The ceasefire deal, brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages and around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in its first phase. The second phase is expected to involve the release of the remaining hostages and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

As the world watches, the hope is that this breakthrough will pave the way for lasting peace and the swift return of all remaining hostages.





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