Faced with a teleprompter glitch, Canada’s Carney mocks Trump

Hundreds of protesters gathered in New York City calling for Mayor Zohran Mamdani to resign or be removed from office. Demonstrators gathered near Gracie Mansion and voiced strong opposition to the mayor. Chants including “Remove Mamdani” and “Mamdani has to go” were heard during the protest. The demonstration came amid heightened tensions following a recent stabbing on Manhattan’s Upper West Side that is being investigated as a possible hate crime. One of the victims was a Jewish man, while another victim was Asian. Both survived the attacks. Critics of Mamdani have accused his administration of failing to do enough to protect Jewish New Yorkers. Protest organisers have also objected to his positions on Israel and broader foreign-policy issues. The protest reflects the growing political divisions surrounding Mamdani’s administration. His policies and views on international affairs have drawn strong support from some groups while facing intense criticism from others. Mamdani has previously defended the right to peaceful demonstrations, including protests directed against him. He has said that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, while stressing that threats, violence and hate speech are unacceptable.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a thorough investigation into the death of a man during a police operation in Bologna, while strongly condemning violent protests that left dozens of police officers injured. The incident occurred in the Pilastro area of Bologna, where police were called to respond to reports of an aggressive man damaging a vehicle. The man, identified as Moroccan-born Abderrahim Fakir, died following the confrontation with police. Meloni said all facts surrounding the incident must be established through a transparent investigation. She stressed that the truth should be determined without bias and that responsibility should be identified based on evidence. The situation later escalated when protesters gathered in Bologna and clashes broke out with police. Demonstrators threw firecrackers, bottles and chairs at law enforcement personnel, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons to control the crowd. Police officials said 56 officers were injured during the violent demonstrations. Meloni condemned the attacks on security personnel, saying violence could not be justified under any circumstances. Authorities have launched an investigation into the man’s death. Bologna police said body-camera footage from the officers involved would be handed over to investigators as part of the inquiry. According to initial reports, officers attempted to calm Fakir before using pepper spray and restraining him while trying to place him under arrest after he allegedly became aggressive. The incident has triggered political debate across Italy, with opposition parties demanding accountability and government supporters defending the actions of police officers. Meloni accused some protesters of using the incident as an excuse to create unrest rather than seeking justice. She said those responsible for attacking police and damaging public property were pursuing confrontation instead of the truth.

Fourteen Arab and Palestinian organisations have issued an urgent appeal calling for immediate international action to protect occupied East Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa Mosque, warning that recent Israeli measures are threatening the city’s religious heritage and historic identity. The groups said the situation has reached a critical stage and argued that stronger global intervention is needed to prevent further escalation. In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the organisations expressed concern over what they described as increasing Israeli actions aimed at changing the existing status of Jerusalem and its holy sites. They said recent developments have targeted not only Al Aqsa Mosque but also the Palestinian residents of Jerusalem and the city’s Arab, Islamic, and Christian character. Al Aqsa Mosque is considered Islam’s third holiest site. The same area is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, believed to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples. Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab Israeli war and later declared the entire city its capital in 1980, a move that has not been recognised by most of the international community. According to the appeal, Israeli authorities have allowed an increase in visits to the Al Aqsa compound by Jewish groups under police protection. The organisations claimed these actions, along with restrictions placed on Muslim worshippers, are attempts to alter the long standing arrangements governing access to the holy site. The statement also raised concerns about attacks on worshippers, restrictions placed on religious leaders, and measures targeting guards responsible for protecting the mosque. The groups argued that these actions undermine freedom of worship and threaten the historical and legal status of one of Islam’s most important religious landmarks. Beyond the mosque itself, the organisations accused Israel of expanding settlements, demolishing Palestinian homes, revoking residency rights, carrying out excavations around the Old City, and increasing pressure on both Islamic and Christian religious sites. They warned that these policies are changing the city’s demographic and cultural landscape while placing Jerusalem’s diverse religious heritage at risk. The appeal also highlighted concerns over the city’s Christian community. It said restrictions affecting churches, religious institutions, and Christian leaders threaten the long established Christian presence in Jerusalem and weaken the city’s multicultural identity. The organisations argued that international statements of concern are no longer enough to address the situation. They called for coordinated political, legal, and human rights efforts to stop actions they consider violations of international law. They also urged governments and international institutions to ensure accountability and prevent further changes to the city’s status. The statement specifically called on Jordan, which holds custodial responsibilities for Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, to intensify diplomatic efforts and encourage stronger international engagement. The groups said Jordan’s role remains essential in defending the religious and historical significance of the city’s sacred places. Describing Jerusalem as a shared historical, cultural, and religious responsibility, the organisations stressed that protecting the city requires practical measures rather than symbolic declarations. They said preserving the rights of its residents and safeguarding its holy sites should remain an international priority. The appeal was signed by several organisations, including the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, the Al Quds International Institution, the Arab National Congress, the European Palestinian Conference, and the Islamic National Conference. The statement comes as tensions continue to rise across the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military raids and settler related violence have increased since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Palestinian officials say thousands of people have been injured or arrested during this period, while violence has intensified further following recent deadly clashes near Nablus involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers, and Israeli forces.