French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that his country will soon recognize a Palestinian state, a decision that was condemned by Israel. The news came as talks on seeking a ceasefire in Gaza were halted when the U.S. and Israel recalled their delegations. The departure of the U.S. and Israeli delegations marked the latest setback in efforts to secure a deal that would bring a ceasefire to Gaza, secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and bring respite to Palestinians suffering a sharply worsening humanitarian crisis. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff accused the Palestinian militant group of failing to act in good faith…

Politics·Breaking Prime Minister Mark Carney is calling for Israel’s control of aid distribution to be replaced amid reports of mass starvation in Gaza.  PM added that Canada supports a two-state solution CBC News · Posted: Jul 24, 2025 8:35 PM EDT | Last Updated: 17 minutes ago Prime Minister Mark Carney is seen speaking during the First Nations Summit at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on July 17. Carney on Thursday called for Israel’s control of aid distribution to be replaced by ‘comprehensive provision of humanitarian assistance led by international organizations.’ (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press) Prime Minister…

France intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday, adding that he hoped it would help bring peace to the region, but drawing an immediate rebuke from Israel. Macron, who announced the decision on X, published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France’s intention to press ahead with Palestinian recognition and work to convincing other partners to follow suit. “True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron said.…

The upcoming federal byelection in Battle River-Crowfoot has Jennifer Fossen in unknown territory. Fossen is the president of the Camrose & District Chamber of Commerce. In the April federal election, it held a candidate forum. Only one nominee showed up to speak to a half empty room. Three months later, Fossen is hosting another candidate forum, this time in a byelection race featuring Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and the response is, well, off the hook. Fossen said phones at her office have been ringing constantly with people inquiring about the July 29 candidate debate. But all seats are booked and…

With the clock ticking on U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to boost tariffs on some Canadian exports to 35 per cent starting Aug. 1, Canada’s top trade negotiators are downplaying the likelihood of reaching a deal by that deadline. Dominic LeBlanc, minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, and Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, wrapped up two days of meetings with Republican senators. These included a brief sit-down between LeBlanc and Howard Lutnick, the U.S. secretary of commerce and Trump’s point man on tariffs.  “We’ve made progress, but we have a lot of work in front of us,” LeBlanc told reporters outside a Senate office building…