Israel's control of aid distribution must be replaced by comprehensive provision of humanitarian assistance led by international organizations," Carney said in a media statement Thursday evening. "Many of these are holding significant Canadian-funded aid which has been blocked from delivery to starving civilians. This denial of humanitarian aid is a violation of international law," he said. [CBC]

“Virginia’s appointment is a milestone achievement,” she said. “While Virginia’s departure marks a tremendous loss for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, we cannot imagine a more dedicated and visionary representative of Canada in the international arena.” [Nunatsiaq News]

Francesco Coirazza: The reactions to Bill 84 reveal two divergent paths for purportedly progressive parties in Quebec politics. The Parti Québécois, once a party that welcomed diversity under the guise of Quebec nationalism, has gradually come to equate sovereignty with cultural defensiveness. From Gérald Godin’s inclusive vision to Jacques Parizeau’s ethnic blame and now Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s outright anti-immigration stance, the PQ’s trajectory reveals a party increasingly defined by a narrowing vision of Quebec society and nationalism—one that does include outsiders. In contrast, Québec Solidaire has used that very same nationalist framework to argue for a more open, pluralist Quebec. For QS, sovereignty is a foundation for social justice and equitable inclusion. Its rejection of Bill 84 signals its true commitment to left politics, unlike the PQ, which is hardly recognized as a leftist party anymore. It reflects a commitment to the idea that Quebec culture and language can thrive through solidarity, rather than exclusion. [Active History]

Calder McHugh: It’s the latest sign that Trump has lost control of the Epstein narrative, and that the saga has broken Washington containment and permeated deep into popular culture. That makes it the worst kind of White House mess.[Politico]

The Pentagon said the move was an attempt “to ensure the Department of Defense is not lending its name and credibility to organizations, forums and events that run counter to the values of this administration.” [NYT] (🎁 link)