Gaza Israel

Belfry Theatre is shown in Victoria on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. Local tensions connected to the ongoing Middle East war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has prompted a Victoria, B.C., theatre company to cancel the scheduled run of a play exploring potentially controversial themes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dirk Meissner

Playwright disappointed, empathetic as B.C. play pulled due to Gaza tension

Time not right to stage The Runner, says Victoria’s Belfry Theatre

Belfry Theatre is shown in Victoria on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. Local tensions connected to the ongoing Middle East war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has prompted a Victoria, B.C., theatre company to cancel the scheduled run of a play exploring potentially controversial themes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dirk Meissner
Protesters at a recent meeting to discuss the play The Runner being scheduled for the Belfry Theatre in Victoria. (Screengrab/Facebook)

B.C. theatre cancels Israel/Palestine play after pushback, vandalism

Pro-Palestine group protested Victoria’s Belfry Theatre over The Runner

Protesters at a recent meeting to discuss the play The Runner being scheduled for the Belfry Theatre in Victoria. (Screengrab/Facebook)
Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza hold their photos and shout slogans during a rally calling for their release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. More than 100 Israeli hostages are held in Gaza after being abducted in a Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 35 as Netanyahu says war will continue

Israeli’s counterattacks have so far killed more than 21,800 Palestinians and wounded some 55,000 others

Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza hold their photos and shout slogans during a rally calling for their release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. More than 100 Israeli hostages are held in Gaza after being abducted in a Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Israeli reservist Igor Tudoran, 27, wounded in the war with Hamas, sits in his room at Sheba hospital’s rehabilitation division, in Ramat Gan, Israel, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Tudoran was wounded in the Gaza Strip when a missile fired by militants in Gaza slammed into his tank. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

The number of wounded Israeli soldiers is mounting, representing a hidden cost of war

Given the large numbers of wounded, advocates worry the country is not prepared to address their needs

Israeli reservist Igor Tudoran, 27, wounded in the war with Hamas, sits in his room at Sheba hospital’s rehabilitation division, in Ramat Gan, Israel, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Tudoran was wounded in the Gaza Strip when a missile fired by militants in Gaza slammed into his tank. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
In this undated photo released by Iris Weinstein Haggai, Judih Weinstein and Gadi Hagi hold each other as they pose for a photo in Toronto. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Iris Weinstein Haggai via AP

Last Canadian kidnapped by Hamas, Judih Weinstein Haggai, declared dead

Her family says she died on Oct. 7, the day that Hamas militants conducted the assault on Israel

In this undated photo released by Iris Weinstein Haggai, Judih Weinstein and Gadi Hagi hold each other as they pose for a photo in Toronto. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Iris Weinstein Haggai via AP
A nativity scene decorated to honor the victims in Gaza is displayed in Manger Square, near the Nativity Church, which is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, on Christmas Eve, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. Bethlehem is having a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus’ traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

On Christmas Eve, Israel-Hamas war halts celebrations in Bethlehem

‘This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, there’s just darkness,’ said one monk

A nativity scene decorated to honor the victims in Gaza is displayed in Manger Square, near the Nativity Church, which is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, on Christmas Eve, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. Bethlehem is having a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus’ traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023.The National Council of Canadian Muslims says Miller is expected to make an announcement later today about special measures for Canadians with family members trapped in the besieged Gaza Strip.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Canada offers visas to relatives of Canadians living in Gaza war zone

However, temporary permits don’t come with an escape plan

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023.The National Council of Canadian Muslims says Miller is expected to make an announcement later today about special measures for Canadians with family members trapped in the besieged Gaza Strip.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Cydney Wallace poses for a photo in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. Cydney Wallace is a Black Jewish woman who recently went on a trip to Israel and the West Bank through a trip called “Black Jerusalem” that was focused on exploring “the sacred geography of Jerusalem through a framework that privileges a Black American and an African lens.” (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Black American solidarity with Palestinians is testing ties to Jewish allies

Poll shows Black adults more likely than non-Black ones to say U.S. being too supportive of Israel

Cydney Wallace poses for a photo in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. Cydney Wallace is a Black Jewish woman who recently went on a trip to Israel and the West Bank through a trip called “Black Jerusalem” that was focused on exploring “the sacred geography of Jerusalem through a framework that privileges a Black American and an African lens.” (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Israeli soldiers are seen in a tunnel that the military says Hamas militants used to attack the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The army is battling Palestinian militants across Gaza to retaliate for Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israel finds new tunnel by Gaza border, raising questions about prewar intel

Military says 4 kilometre tunnel large enough for vehicles to pass through

Israeli soldiers are seen in a tunnel that the military says Hamas militants used to attack the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The army is battling Palestinian militants across Gaza to retaliate for Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Palestinians look at the aftermath of the Israeli military raid on Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Israel faces new calls for truce after killing of hostages in Gaza

Calls for ceasfire increase as civilian deaths mount

Palestinians look at the aftermath of the Israeli military raid on Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel , Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Communications blackout, hunger compound misery in Gaza as war enters 11th week

The blackout is the longest in the over-two-month war

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel , Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Ambassador Mona Abuamara, Chief Representative of the Palestinian General Delegation, participates in an interview in her office in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. Abuamara is praising Canada’s vote at the United Nations this week, which called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Palestinian envoy in Ottawa praises Canada’s UN vote for ceasefire

Group says Canada should push for a ceasefire in the short term, implement plans both sides agreed to decades ago

Ambassador Mona Abuamara, Chief Representative of the Palestinian General Delegation, participates in an interview in her office in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. Abuamara is praising Canada’s vote at the United Nations this week, which called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Women hold placards in Arabic, Hebrew, and English during a demonstration by Israeli and Palestinian women calling for peace, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

3 hostages mistakenly killed by Israeli troops had been holding a white flag

The three, all young men in their 20s, were killed Friday in the Gaza City

Women hold placards in Arabic, Hebrew, and English during a demonstration by Israeli and Palestinian women calling for peace, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes part in an interview in Ottawa on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. Trudeau says Israel and Hamas must work toward “a sustainable ceasefire,” starting with another pause in hostilities. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Canada breaks with usual policy, votes for immediate Gaza ceasefire

‘We must recognize that what is unfolding before our eyes will only enhance the cycle of violence’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes part in an interview in Ottawa on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. Trudeau says Israel and Hamas must work toward “a sustainable ceasefire,” starting with another pause in hostilities. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Smoke rises from Israeli artillery shelling on Aita al-Shaab, a Lebanese border village with Israel, in south Lebanon, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Israel presses ahead in Gaza with renewed US military and diplomatic support

About 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been displaced within the besieged territory

Smoke rises from Israeli artillery shelling on Aita al-Shaab, a Lebanese border village with Israel, in south Lebanon, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Chris Boudreau, whose son Damian Clairmont converted to Islam and died fighting in Syria last winter, is shown speaking to reporters Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014. Boudreau is worried anger over the conflict between Israel and Hamas could lead to an increase in radicalization.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill Graveland

Advocates look to stem radicalization as anger mounts over Israel-Hamas war

Alberta woman fears war could push young people on both sides to join radicalized groups

Chris Boudreau, whose son Damian Clairmont converted to Islam and died fighting in Syria last winter, is shown speaking to reporters Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014. Boudreau is worried anger over the conflict between Israel and Hamas could lead to an increase in radicalization.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill Graveland
Vancouver resident Omar Mansour spends the few minutes when he is able to talk to his parents, brother and sisters, telling them he loves them. Mansour and his mother, Sanaa Omar are seen in an undated handout photo taken in their house in the Gaza Strip. He says every call with his family may be the last. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Omar Mansour, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Every phone call is a goodbye, says Vancouver resident with family in Gaza

5 of Omar Mansour’s cousins were killed by Israeli snipers over the past week

Vancouver resident Omar Mansour spends the few minutes when he is able to talk to his parents, brother and sisters, telling them he loves them. Mansour and his mother, Sanaa Omar are seen in an undated handout photo taken in their house in the Gaza Strip. He says every call with his family may be the last. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Omar Mansour, *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly attends a news conference in Ottawa, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Mideast ministers in Ottawa to discuss Israel-Hamas war with Joly, Trudeau

The delegation calls itself the Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit

Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly attends a news conference in Ottawa, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Israelis rush to a shelter as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from the Gaza strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Israel presses ahead with bombarding Gaza

Warplanes hit some of the dwindling bits of land it had told Palestinians to evacuate to

Israelis rush to a shelter as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from the Gaza strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
The New Democrats are calling for Ottawa to create special immigration measures to help get Canadians’ extended family members out of the Gaza Strip, as it has during other crises in recent years. NDP MP Jenny Kwan speaks to reporters in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Monday, May 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Calls grow to get Canadian extended families out of Gaza

B.C. MP Jenny Kwan leading lobby in Ottawa as families begin to lose faith and hope

The New Democrats are calling for Ottawa to create special immigration measures to help get Canadians’ extended family members out of the Gaza Strip, as it has during other crises in recent years. NDP MP Jenny Kwan speaks to reporters in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Monday, May 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang