Introduction
In a significant move, Canada has imposed sanctions on seven Israeli settlers and five entities involved in extremist violence in the West Bank. This marks the second instance in just over a month that Ottawa has taken such a step, highlighting its growing concern over the escalating violence and its impact on peace prospects in the region.
The Sanctions
Individuals Targeted
Canada has sanctioned seven Israeli settlers, including prominent figures known for their extremist activities:
1. Ben-Zion Gorstein: Founder and leader of Lehava, a right-wing group that opposes Jewish assimilation with non-Jews.
2. Elisha Yered: Notorious for justifying the killing of Palestinians on religious grounds.
3. Shalom Zicherman: Accused by the U.S. State Department of assaulting Israeli activists and their vehicles in the West Bank.
Entities Sanctioned
Alongside individuals, Canada has targeted five entities, including several settler organizations, believed to be complicit in the violence and unrest in the West Bank.
Official Statements
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly
Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed deep concern over the extremist violence, condemning the acts not only for their impact on Palestinian lives but also for their detrimental effect on the prospects for lasting peace.
"We remain deeply concerned by extremist settler violence in the West Bank and condemn such acts, not only for the significant impact they have on Palestinian lives, but also for the corrosive impact they have on prospects for lasting peace," Joly said in a statement.
Background and Context
Rising Violence
The Israeli-occupied West Bank has seen a surge in violence, reaching a more than 15-year high in 2023. This violence further escalated following Israel's war in Gaza in response to the October 7th attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
International Response
Canada's sanctions align with similar measures taken by allies, including the United States and Britain. These sanctions prohibit any dealings related to the sanctioned individuals and entities and render them inadmissible to Canada.
Previous Sanctions
Last month, Ottawa imposed sanctions on four settlers, signaling a continued and robust stance against extremist activities in the West Bank.
Conclusion
Canada's firm and resolute actions exemplify its unwavering dedication to combating extremist violence and promoting peace initiatives within the region. Through strategic measures aimed at identifying and neutralizing individuals and groups responsible for fueling instability, Canada aligns itself with like-minded partners to amplify a unified stance against the scourge of violence and terror. This proactive approach not only serves as a deterrent to would-be perpetrators but also signifies Canada's proactive role in upholding global security and stability. By actively participating in international efforts to counter extremism, Canada reinforces its commitment to fostering a safer and more peaceful world for all.
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France Elections 2024 Results: French PM Gabriel Attal Offers Resignation. Is Paris Heading for Political Turmoil?
Polls have closed in France, and early projections indicate a surprising outcome: a left-wing coalition has unexpectedly secured the most parliamentary seats in the pivotal runoff elections, driven by a high voter turnout. In response, France's Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced his intention to resign to President Emmanuel Macron on Monday after his party failed to secure a parliamentary majority. However, Attal mentioned that if his resignation is declined, he is prepared to remain in office "as long as duty demands," especially with the Paris Olympics just three weeks away.
What Will Happen in France Now?
The unexpected projections place President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance in second place, with the far-right trailing in third. The absence of a majority for any single alliance has thrown France into political and economic instability. Final election results are anticipated late Sunday or early Monday (local time) from the snap election, which was called just four weeks ago in a significant risk for Macron. According to projections, the deeply unpopular president has lost control of parliament. The far-right National Rally significantly increased its seats in parliament but did not meet expectations.
The snap elections in France, a nuclear-armed nation, have potential repercussions for the war in Ukraine, global diplomacy, and Europe's economic stability. These outcomes are almost certain to weaken Macron's remaining three years in office. The election campaign was marred by racism, antisemitism, and Russian cyber campaigns, with over 50 candidates reporting physical attacks. In response, the government deployed 30,000 police officers.
Historic Blunder by President Emmanuel Macron?
French President Emmanuel Macron is currently in discussions with leaders from his weakened majority alliance before the final results are released. Among those present is Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, according to an aide who requested anonymity to discuss the closed-door meeting.
Many of Macron's centrist allies are enraged by his decision to call for surprise elections so soon after the far-right National Rally's victory in the European elections. They fear that the centrist coalition will be overshadowed by the far right and the left.
The first-round vote on June 30 showed significant gains for the National Rally, potentially positioning the far right to govern France for the first time since World War II. Macron risks being compelled to share power with a prime minister who opposes his pro-business, pro-European Union policies.
Far-Right National Rally
Marine Le Pen's eurosceptic National Rally party is projected to win the largest number of seats in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, though it may fall short of an absolute majority. The National Rally has formed an agreement with Eric Ciotti, the former leader of the conservative Republicans, despite most of his party cutting ties with him following his pact with the far right.
Left-Wing New Popular Front
The left-wing parties, from the moderate Socialists and Greens to the more radical Communists and Jean-Luc Mélenchon's 'France Unbowed,' have united to form a "New Popular Front."
Macron's Centrist Alliance
In the political center, Macron has called on moderate parties to join his electoral alliance to counter the political extremes on both the right and the left, but these efforts have yielded little success.
Conclusion
France stands at a crossroads with the outcome of the 2024 elections. The political landscape is deeply fragmented, and the next steps taken by the various political factions will shape the country's future. As the final results are awaited, the nation's stability and direction hang in the balance, with implications reaching far beyond its borders.
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