UK Jails Activists, Canada Pledges Aid, West Bank Violence Escalates
A UK court has sentenced four Palestine Action activists to prison for their role in a 2024 raid on an Israeli arms factory, while Canada announced $100 million in aid for Palestinians, and violence in the West Bank continues to draw international condemnation. The harshest penalties were handed to Samuel Corner (7 years 8 months) and Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Rajwani (4-5 years) after the judge ruled the crime had a 'terrorist connection' Source: AP News. The group had used sledgehammers to destroy equipment at an Elbit Systems factory, causing 1.2 million pounds in damage.
West Bank Violence
Separately, Israeli troops killed a 7-month-old Palestinian baby, Sam Abu Haikal, near Hebron when they shot at his family's car. The Israeli military said it was investigating, calling the incident a 'mistake' Source: AP News. The father demanded justice, saying 'nothing is called a mistake' Source: AP News. This comes as Amnesty International released a report accusing Israel of 'ethnic cleansing' in the West Bank, alleging a state-sanctioned campaign of forced displacement Source: NPR. The report notes over 100 villages have been fully or partially emptied since 2023.
International Response
Canada has pledged $100 million for Palestinians facing settler violence and humanitarian crisis, bringing its total support to $500 million since late 2023 Source: Ground News. Meanwhile, Palestinian and Israeli civil society groups urged G7 leaders to act on Gaza, calling for a permanent ceasefire and reconstruction Source: The Guardian. The UK also deported French journalist Alice Froussard, with Israel citing critical coverage as the reason Source: AP News. These developments highlight the escalating tensions and humanitarian needs across the region.
Sources
6 quotes“London judge sentenced four Palestine Action activists to several years in prison Friday for acting as terrorists when they raided an Israeli defense factory in the U.K.”
“Canada Pledges $100M for Palestinians Facing Settler Violence, Humanitarian Crisis”
“Israeli troops killed a 7-month-old Palestinian baby, Sam Abu Haikal, near Hebron when they shot at his family's car.”
“Amnesty International accused Israel on Wednesday of carrying out a campaign of 'ethnic cleansing' of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank”
“Palestinian and Israeli civil society groups meeting in Paris on Friday have urged G7 leaders to act at their summit to save the narrowing chances of a two-state solution.”
“Israeli authorities on Thursday deported a prominent French journalist after she was refused entry upon landing.”