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Evacuation in the Snow: Fears of Conflict Drive Mass Exodus from Pakistan’s Tirah Valley

Residents from Tirah valley, who fled a remote mountainous region bordering Afghanistan, gather to get themself registered, in Bara, Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan A wave of displacement is sweeping through northwest Pakistan as thousands of families flee the Tirah Valley after mosque loudspeakers warned residents of possible upcoming military action. The sudden announcements triggered a rapid and chaotic departure, with many families leaving in the middle of harsh winter conditions. Residents describe a tense atmosphere in the valley, where fears of renewed conflict between security forces and militant groups have been simmering for months. Entire communities have packed their belongings onto trucks, donkeys, and makeshift carts, heading toward safer towns such as Bara and Peshawar. Government officials insist that no military operation has been ordered and attribute the movement of people to seasonal migration patterns. Locals strongly dispute this, sayi...

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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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