middle east

Friday February 16, 2026

Canada's hesitant response to the Gaza-Israel conflict signals diminishing influence, urging a need for principled leadership and meaningful diplomacy to regain its historical role in promoting peace.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 16, 2026

Canada’s Fading Diplomacy: A Call for Principled Leadership in the Middle East

Trudeau's government is failing to prioritize military commitments, evident in the protracted delay of the NASAMS defence system to Ukraine, raising concerns about national security preparedness.

January 11, 2024

In the ever-intertwined complexities of the Middle East, Canada’s once-prominent role as a mediator and advocate for peace seems to be fading into the shadows. Recent events surrounding the Gaza-Israel conflict highlight not only our government’s indecision but also its waning influence on the international stage. As other nations, notably the USA, UK, and the EU, engage in meaningful shuttle diplomacy to address the horrific toll on innocent lives, Canada appears to be stuck in a quagmire of symbolic gestures and theatrical statements.

The current Trudeau government’s response to the conflict, as highlighted by Robyn Urback in The Globe & Mail, reflects a pattern of indecisiveness and inconsistency. From the redundant and belated sanctions on Hamas leaders to the half-hearted support for a UN resolution lacking a call for Hamas to surrender, Canada’s actions appear more as domestic theatre than a meaningful contribution to resolving the crisis. The prime minister’s seemingly strategic yet vacillating approach raises questions about Canada’s ability to navigate the complexities of the Middle East with credibility and efficacy.

Septemebr 30, 2023

Septemebr 30, 2023

In the face of Canada’s diplomatic shortcomings, the contrasting reactions from leaders like UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscore the need for a more principled stance. Cameron’s expressed concern over the next phase of Israel’s military operation in Gaza and Blinken’s persistent efforts to broker a ceasefire highlight a commitment to addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis and working towards lasting peace. In comparison, Canada’s seemingly symbolic sanctions and equivocal statements project an image of diplomatic ambiguity.

Opinion: ‘Shrinking’ political, practical capacity stunts Canada’s engagement in the Middle East, say experts

The erosion of Canada’s influence in the Middle East is a far cry from the days of Lester Pearson and the pivotal role played during the 1957 Suez Crisis. Today, as the Gaza-Israel conflict unfolds, we find ourselves relegated to the sidelines, with limited sway over the course of events. The lack of a clear and assertive stance diminishes our capacity to contribute meaningfully to diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further bloodshed and fostering a sustainable resolution.

February 17, 2023

It is time for Canada to reassess its role in the Middle East and revive the spirit of principled leadership that once defined our diplomatic endeavours. Our government must move beyond symbolic gestures and engage in substantive diplomacy that addresses the root causes of the conflict. This requires a commitment to both immediate humanitarian relief and a steadfast pursuit of long-term peace, even if it means taking a principled position that might face domestic opposition.

Canada’s historical commitment to a two-state solution should not be relegated to mere rhetoric. We must actively work towards this goal and leverage our diplomatic relationships to play a constructive role in the region. It is essential to rebuild our credibility as a serious player on the international stage by engaging with all relevant parties, including those with whom we may disagree.

April 11, 2002

As the Middle East stands on the precipice of a humanitarian catastrophe, Canada must rise above the limitations of past indecision. The time is now for principled leadership and a renewed commitment to our historical legacy of fostering peace and stability in the face of adversity. (AI)

Wednesday December 20, 2023

The intensifying Israel-Hamas conflict strains the historic US-Israel alliance, with President Biden expressing reservations about Prime Minister Netanyahu's conduct, while opposition leader Yair Lapid delicately navigates diplomatic ties with Senate Democrats, underscoring the intricate challenges facing US-Israel relations amid the ongoing crisis.

December 20, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 20, 2023

Navigating the Delicate Rift: US-Israel Relations Amidst Gaza Crisis

The relentless conflict in Gaza places both Palestinian and Israeli civilians in a dire predicament. As Hamas, responsible for numerous deadly acts against Israel and hostage-taking, triggers a planned offensive by Israel's IDF in northern Gaza City, it is inevitable that innocent civilians will suffer the repercussions.

October 14, 2023

In the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack, Israel’s military offensive against Gaza has strained its traditionally unwavering alliance with the United States. Even as President Joe Biden initially supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions, recent developments have seen a shift in the administration’s stance. Biden’s public criticism of the “indiscriminate bombing” and the rising death toll in Gaza reflects a growing unease in Washington over Israel’s conduct of the war.

The United States, historically a staunch supporter of Israel, is increasingly concerned about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. As the death toll surpasses 18,700, the international community is growing more vocal in calling for an end to Israel’s bombing campaign. The US, cognizant of the need to appease its Arab allies and mitigate public outrage, expects Israel to transition to a more targeted phase of the conflict, minimizing civilian casualties.

News: Biden says Netanyahu must change, Israel losing global support  

Biden walks a diplomatic tightrope in the Israel-Palestine conflict, facing party divisions over support for Israel. His cautious approach aims to defuse tensions and bolster his diplomatic reputation for potential re-election gains. The situation highlights the challenge of managing diverse constituencies.

October 19, 2023

However, Netanyahu’s resistance to heed US advice poses the risk of isolating Israel on the global stage. Washington is also pushing for a post-conflict plan, emphasizing the necessity of a political vision to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu’s rejection of working towards a Palestinian state further complicates the situation, as the US and Arab states seek to bolster the Palestinian Authority as an alternative to Hamas.

Critics argue that Netanyahu’s divisive rule has exacerbated the situation. His alignment with ultranationalist parties and attempts to undermine the Palestinian Authority have fuelled internal strife. Additionally, his failure to effectively address the threat posed by Hamas has led to a devastating attack on Israeli soil, further eroding public faith in his leadership.

The opposition leader, Yair Lapid, has shown unwavering support for the Netanyahu-led government’s strategy in Gaza, despite historical misgivings. In his communications with Senate Democrats, Lapid emphasizes the unanimity of purpose in defeating Hamas. However, his formal and strategic approach hints at a broader message – a contrast with Netanyahu’s leadership style. Lapid’s outreach to Democrats is a delicate diplomatic effort, showcasing his ability to engage with a spectrum of political views.

July 25, 2014

The complex dynamics surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict have become a fault line in Democratic politics, with scenes of devastation in Gaza triggering activism and divisions within the party. While President Biden remains pro-Israel, internal ambivalence, particularly within the Democratic base, poses challenges.

As Israel faces the prospect of discarding Netanyahu, there is uncertainty about a leftward shift in peacemaking and national security policies. Despite dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s leadership, Israelis overwhelmingly support the military mission against Hamas. Lapid’s potential as an alternative is met with skepticism, with former IDF chief Benny Gantz currently enjoying greater popularity.

The delicate line of communication between Lapid and the Democratic Party reflects the broader challenges in aligning Israeli and American political interests. Lapid’s diplomatic efforts aim to showcase his ability to engage with a diverse range of opinions, distinguishing him from Netanyahu. However, navigating this political tightrope requires careful consideration of domestic and international dynamics.

Ultimately, as the conflict unfolds, the trajectory of US-Israel relations may hinge on mainstream Democrats’ willingness to reconcile with the complex realities in Israeli politics. Delicate phone calls and strategic communication may be the best immediate solution in bridging the gap between distant political cousins on the centre-left. The path to a more comfortable bond may require time, a shift in political landscapes, and a shared commitment to lasting peace in the region. (AI)

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Letter to the Editor The Hamilton Spectator, Friday December 22, 2023

Cartoon not based on reality

Letter to the Editor

In Graeme MacKay’s Dec. 20 editorial cartoon, he portrays Israel as a warmonger desperately grasping rockets, being held back only by Uncle Sam. Whatever world MacKay is depicting in his cartoon, it’s certainly not the real world, because incredibly, nowhere does Hamas, the Gaza-based Islamic terrorist group, appear. Hamas is the perpetrator of the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, the largest mass killing of Jews since the Holocaust, and which continues to hold hundreds of Israeli hostages in Gaza and use its own people, the civilian population in Gaza, as human shields. Israel is fighting a war over its very survival against Hamas, a genocidal and fanatical terrorist organization that seeks its destruction. Yet bizarrely, it is Israel depicted by MacKay as war monger, seeking out blood for apparently no reason at all.

Robert Walker, Honest Reporting Canada

 

Saturday October 14, 2023

The relentless conflict in Gaza places both Palestinian and Israeli civilians in a dire predicament. As Hamas, responsible for numerous deadly acts against Israel and hostage-taking, triggers a planned offensive by Israel's IDF in northern Gaza City, it is inevitable that innocent civilians will suffer the repercussions.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday October 14, 2023

Middle East Conflict Shifts to Ground Operations, Leaving Innocent Civilians in the Crossfire

The situation in the Middle East has taken a concerning turn, with Israel’s announcement of ground operations in the Gaza Strip, transitioning from an air campaign to a risky and complex ground offensive. Regrettably, the greatest casualties in this ongoing crisis continue to be the innocent civilians of Palestine and Israel, who are enduring unimaginable hardship. The pursuit of peace in the region remains a distant and elusive goal.

The announcement of ground operations by Israel in the Gaza Strip underscores the gravity of the situation. As a response to Hamas’s recent attacks in southern Israel, this shift further exacerbates the suffering of the people caught in the crossfire. In an attempt to mitigate the looming threat, Israel issued an evacuation order, compelling over a million people to leave the northern half of the Gaza Strip within a mere 24 hours, a move met with apprehension by many who were unsure of their fate.

News: How Hamas Overran Southern Israel and Killed 1,300  

July 25, 2014

The situation on the ground is perilous, with Israeli forces targeting Palestinian rocket crews and seeking information about hostages. The tragic loss of innocent lives and the displacement of thousands evoke concerns of an impending humanitarian disaster. The reports of casualties and injuries, including women, children, and the elderly, on both sides of the conflict, highlight the urgent need for international intervention.

The evacuation order, which includes the densely populated Gaza City, has created confusion among civilians and aid workers who are already grappling with Israeli airstrikes and a territory-wide power blackout. The UN’s call for safe areas for civilians in Gaza is a step in the right direction, as it is crucial to protect the lives of innocent people who are trapped in the midst of this conflict.

News: Palestinians flee northern Gaza before expected Israeli ground invasion 

The escalation of violence and loss of life in the region is a grim reminder of the need for a peaceful resolution. The world cannot afford to stand by as innocent civilians bear the brunt of political failures and diplomatic impasses. The pursuit of peace should be paramount, and international leaders must redouble their efforts to end this cycle of violence and suffering. (AI)

 

Thursday December 7, 2017

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 7, 2017

Defiant Trump confirms US will recognise Jerusalem as capital of Israel

Donald Trump has defied overwhelming global opposition by declaring US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, but insisted that the highly controversial move would not derail his own administration’s bid to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a short speech delivered at the White House, Trump directed the state department to start making arrangements to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem – a process that officials say will take at least three years.

“I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel” Trump said. “While previous presidents have made this a major campaign promise, they failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering.”

Trump said: “My announcement today marks the beginning of a new approach to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.”

Rex Tillerson, the secretary of state, announced his officials would “immediately begin the process to implement this decision by starting the preparations to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem”.

Trump’s announcement provoked condemnation from US allies, and a furious reaction from Palestinian leaders and the Muslim world.

Trump insisted that his decision would not derail his own administration’s attempt to make peace, stressing that he was not stipulating how much of Jerusalem should be considered Israel’s capital. Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their own future state, and Trump did not rule out a future division of the city. (Source: Guardian)

 

Friday July 25, 2014

Friday July 25, 2014By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 25, 2014

Does Hamas use civilians as human shields?

“Hamas is using them, Palestinians, as human shields.”
Benjamin Netanyahu, 20 July 2013

There is no dispute that Palestinian civilians tend to suffer disproportionately when the Arab-Israeli conflict boils over into violence.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014At time of writing, more than 700 Palestinians have died in the latest fighting, compared to 35 on the Israeli side, 32 of them members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The lop-sided human cost of this conflict is entirely in keeping with previous outbreaks of fighting.

More than 7,500 Palestinians and 1,100 Israelis have died since the outbreak of the second Intifada (Palestinian uprising) in 2000, according to the Israeli human rights information centre B’Tselem.

All of this is often used as evidence of the brutally disproportionate nature of the military action Israel periodically launches in the occupied territories.

But the Israeli military has blamed high Palestinian casualty rates in the recent fighting Gaza on Hamas, saying the Islamist group that runs the enclave has a deliberate policy of placing its own civilians in harm’s way.

Actually Hamas has made no secret of advocating the use of civilians as human shields to try to face down Israeli aggression.

A senior spokesman for the group, Sami Abu Zuhri, gave an interview on Palestinian station al-Aqsa TV earlier this month.

He said: “This attests to the character of our noble, jihad-loving people – who defend their rights and their homes with their bare chests and their blood.

“The policy of people confronting the Israeli warplanes with their bare chests in order to protect their homes has proven effective against the occupation… we in Hamas call upon our people to adopt this policy in order to protect the Palestinian homes.”

Credible reports from journalists in Gaza suggest some civilians are choosing to stay in their homes, ignoring warnings of imminent destructions that the Israeli military gives via telephone calls or empty shells “knocking on the roof”.

On the same day as Mr Abu Zuhri was broadcasting Hamas’s message, the New York Times reported the fate of a Palestinian man, Salah Kaware, who received a telephone warning that his house in Khan Younis in south east Gaza was about to be hit by the IDF.

The newspaper reported that another warning came as the occupants were leaving, when an Israeli drone fired a flare at the roof of the three-storey home. (Continued: Channel Four News)

 

FEEDBACK

I just wanted to tell “Mackay” that I feel his editorial cartoon in friday’s paper is very inappropriate. He is either very naive/ignorant, or very biased. With the public platform provided him by The Spec, he needs to educate himself before spouting off. Khalid Mashaal in his public conversations explains the Palestinian side, and some of the roots of the ongoing conflict. Gaza is a prison, and Israel is the jail guard. However there are obviously other opinions. As I said he needs to educate himself on the issues pro and con, and then maybe he could better express a view that is more balanced. This cartoon is a disgrace to ALL who have died over the years. Shame on you.

Anonymous

 

 


 

Post by Graeme MacKay – editorial cartoonist.