Source link

Both Belgium and Hungary have taken steps to distance themselves from Israel, making them the fourth and fifth countries to do so.

Belgium has joined Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia in demanding that the EU end its association with Israel.

Meanwhile, Péter Magyar, the incoming Hungarian Prime Minister, has made it clear that he will:

arrest Netanyahu if he ever comes to Hungary

He also made it clear that Hungary intends to remain a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Better late than never

Already, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have all demanded that the EU end its ‘association’ with Israel. As the Canary previously reported:

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez has said that Spain will demand an end to the EU’s ‘association agreement’ with Israel at tomorrow’s (21 April 2026) meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. Spain will be joined by the governments of Ireland and Slovenia. The association agreement gives Israel preferential trade access to the EU as well as setting a framework for political negotiations.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, told a rally in Andalusia that he is calling for the move because:

a government that violates international law or the principles of the EU cannot be its partner.

Then, on 19 April, the Spanish, Irish, and Slovenian foreign ministers wrote to the EU’s senior diplomat Kaja Kallas. They accused Israel of breaching its obligations under international law, including

executive decisions, military decisions and laws adopted by the Knesset, that contravene human rights and violate international law and international humanitarian law.

Ahead of a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Maxime Prevot, Belgium’s Foreign Minister, said that Israel’s actions in Lebanon are “totally unacceptable“.

He said that Belgium is calling for at least a partial suspension of the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel.

War criminals hiding in plain sight

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. In principle, ICC member countries are obliged to detain individuals subject to such warrants.

However, some countries have argued they can remain ICC members without enforcing such warrants.

France argued that arresting Netanyahu would contravene other agreements it has with Israel.

Importantly, though, Péter Magyar, incoming Hungarian Prime Minister, told reporters that:

If a country is a member of the ICC and a person who is wanted by the ICC enters our territory, then that person must be taken into custody.

Netanyahu is due to visit Hungary later this year.

Meanwhile, Italy and Germany have defended Israel from EU trade sanctions.

Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, said that breaking trade agreements is not a useful tool because then the Israeli population “will be affected.”

Of course, he is ignoring that the vast majority of Israeli citizens support the illegal state’s genocides.

Holding Israel accountable

Eighty-two percent of Jewish Israelis support expelling Palestinians from Gaza. Meanwhile, 56% back the expulsion of Arab citizens of Israel.

Additionally, Tajani is also ignoring the fact that there is a conscription law in Israel. This means that the majority of Israeli citizens must serve in the IOF for a minimum of 24 months for women, or 32 months for men.

Essentially, the majority of Israelis have either directly taken part in the genocide or support it, which means their feelings are irrelevant.

Whilst some EU leaders are finally growing a pair and taking a stand, it seems that some EU countries are still putting trade, money, and the delicate feelings of a majority-genocidal country above the lives of black and brown people in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

But until the rest of Europe starts centring those lives, feelings, and voices, Israel will continue to commit war crimes and get away with it.

Feature image via the Canary

By HG

Source link

Paloma Faith, Massive Attack, Paul Weller and Kneecap are among more than 1,100 musicians and cultural workers calling for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 over the inclusion of genocidal Israel.

Boycott Eurovision unless Zionist Israel is banned

The letter, co-ordinated by campaign group No Music For Genocide (NMFG), has also been signed by artists including David Holmes, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, and Macklemore.

It calls on countries to follow the lead of Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Spain by withdrawing from the popular music competition.

NMFG urged public broadcasters, performers, screening party organisers, crew, and fans to refuse to participate in or platform Eurovision until Israel is banned.

The letter says the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs the competition, should ban Israel from participating because of the ongoing conflict with Palestine, citing its ban of Russia in 2022 following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The letter cites Israel’s genocide in Gaza and said Eurovision should not “whitewash and normalise” the actions of the Zionist state. Since October 2023, Israel has killed at least 72,000 people, with the toll from the genocide likely to rise.

The letter called the EBU “hypocritical” for banning Russia from Eurovision but not Israel, and said that those who had signed the letter “refuse to be silent”.

Massive Attack musician Robert Del Naja, who is among those to sign the letter, was arrested earlier this month during a mass protest in central London against the ban on Palestine Action.

‘Silence is complicity’

Irish rap trio Kneecap, who are known for their politically driven music and social commentary, said:

Russia was banned from Eurovision in 2022. Israel has been murdering Palestinians for decades and is now committing genocide – and for the third year running, they’re welcomed back onto the stage.

That’s not neutrality. That’s a choice. We’ve paid a price for speaking out – lost gigs, court cases, visa bans – and we’d do it all again tomorrow.

Silence is complicity. We stand with No Music for Genocide and every artist, fan and broadcaster who refuses to let the world’s biggest music event be used to whitewash genocide. No stage for genocide. Free Palestine.

NMFG organisers said:

Every year, for its entire 53-year tenure as a Eurovision participant, Israel has perpetuated its terrorising systems of apartheid, torture, land theft, and military occupation against Palestinians from the river to the sea with complete impunity.

While many of us in the industry make light of Eurovision or doubt our own power as cultural producers, genocidal Israel’s leaders speak openly about the contest’s geopolitical value.

NMFG stands with and amplifies the incredible grassroots organising efforts across Europe to boycott Eurovision until Israel is banned.

From Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel to direct actionists, from Film Workers For Palestine in Hollywood to striking dockworkers in Italy and Morocco, people of conscience around the globe are fighting complicity in every industry for a free Palestine and a freer world.

Featured image via the Canary

By The Canary

Source link

The British military has been trialling drone swarms in Germany. US and Australian troops joined the so-called Army Warfighting Experiment 2026 as part of the AUKUS alliance between the three nations.

On 15 April, the British Army said:

The biggest achievement of AWE26 was building a system that let British, American and Australian drone swarms share information and data with each other instantly.

Intelligence sharing

The army described how a British drone swarm “collects intelligence” which is then shared via a UK computer to “American and Australian servers straight away”:

This kind of instant sharing between allies marks a significant breakthrough which could make a huge difference on a future battlefield.

Artificial intelligence (AI) was central to the project, forming a third of the exercise:

AI needs to be shown thousands of images before it can reliably identify objects on a battlefield and tell the difference between friendly and enemy forces.

Sounds a little haphazard…

The Ukraine war has seen drone warfare advance at a frightening rate. Battlefield developments there also shaped the allied exercise:

The war in Ukraine is proving enemies have become skilled at blocking the signals between drones and their pilots. AI-powered swarms can help get around this problem — the more data that has been fed in, the greater the accuracy and efficiency the swarm will have at identifying objects.

The precise AI system being used by the British Army was not identified in the army’s publication.

Which AI system is in use?

Commenting on the use of uncrewed systems as a force multiplier in May 2025, UK defence secretary John Healey said:

In five years’ time, AI will have had a massive impact in the military and in the battlefield. We can see this already in Ukraine, just like in every other walk of life.

We have to do a great deal more in defence to get on top and then get ahead and at the cutting edge of this. I want to put the UK military on the leading edge of innovation in Nato on AI.

As Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) points out the current UK government has leant into AI on an unheralded scale — including with a massive budget:

To make good on that promise, the Treasury earmarked £4bn in the Spending Review, explicitly for autonomy. Britain’s defence establishment has long spoken of modernisation, but it has been made unequivocally clear that code, not just iron and steel, would lie at the heart of its future military strength.

In 2022, two AI platforms were put forward for tender. AOAV said:

Two platforms of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) were put forward: one developed by Atlas, the other by Elbit, an Israeli defence company with extensive experience of drones honed in the hellscape of Gaza.

Adding:

Elbit’s system stole the limelight.

AI is being used to marshal UK drone swarms. Who’s AI is unclear… But the overall all implications are concerning. Both the brutal battlefields of Ukraine and Israel’s genocide are shaping drone swarm technology and tactics. And sooner or later those methods will start to turn up closer to home.

Featured image via the Royal Navy

By Joe Glenton

Source link

In the world of modern football, nothing encapsulates a player’s greatness quite like the number of league titles they have won. It is the most rigorous yardstick for measuring dominance, sustained stardom, and excellence, as it is determined by a full season of consistent performance under the pressure of competition.

Hence, the list of the most successful league champions gains value as a definitive record of the names that have succeeded in imposing their dominance year after year.

A crowded football summit and 13 titles separating the greats

According to Transfermarkt data, four players share the top spot among the most decorated league players, with 13 titles each. German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer recently joined this elite group after winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in the 2025–2026 season.

He is joined by his teammate Thomas Müller and Frenchman Kingsley Coman, who has carved out a unique path with titles across three major leagues. Also standing out is Welshman Ryan Giggs, who won all his titles with Manchester United, setting a Premier League record.

Lewandowski closing in, Messi among the chasers

Behind this quartet, a host of illustrious names with 12 titles to their name stand out, led by Lionel Messi, alongside David Alaba and Paco Gento.

All eyes are on Poland’s Robert Lewandowski, who is just one step away from equalling the record, as Barcelona edge closer to clinching the La Liga title, which could give him his 13th title and put him at the top of the list.

The list contains striking paradoxes, most notably the presence of big names without a European title, such as Gianluigi Buffon with 11 Serie A titles, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, who has won 10 league titles, neither of whom has managed to win the Champions League.

In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo’s ranking appears relatively low, as he has only seven league titles to his name, despite his historic goal-scoring record, which highlights the difference between individual glory and collective success.

An unfulfilled achievement and a goal yet to be realised

Although 24 players, including David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Eden Hazard, have won league titles in three different countries, the most difficult feat remains unachieved, as no player has ever won a league title in four of the five major leagues.

Here’s a list of the 10 players with the most league titles:

* Ryan Giggs – 13 titles
* Thomas Müller – 13 titles
* Manuel Neuer – 13 titles
* Kingsley Coman – 13 titles
* David Alaba – 12 titles
* Paco Gento – 12 titles
* Lionel Messi – 12 titles
* Robert Lewandowski – 12 titles
* Thiago Alcântara – 11 titles
* Arjen Robben – 11 titles
* Paul Scholes – 11 titles
* Gianluigi Buffon – 11 titles

There is no doubt that these football figures confirm that dominance does not stop at the club level, but extends to create an individual legacy for players, with league titles remaining one of the most prominent measures that immortalise the names of stars in the history of the game.

Featured image via the Canary

By Alaa Shamali

Source link

Yet another Israel-linked Labour party paedophile, Conor McGrath, has been given a ‘slap on the wrist’ sentence, despite being convicted of possessing the “most serious and disturbing [child-rape images] for which a person can be prosecuted”.

Conor McGrath escapes jail

Conor McGrath, 29, who used to work for Israel-funded MP Kevin Bonavia, was arrested in February after a ten-month probe by Herts Police and admitted three counts of possessing more than 500 such images. He has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence at St Albans Crown Court.

McGrath becomes the latest in a long line of ‘friends of Israel’ right-wing Labour figures to escape serious punishment despite the gravest child-rape image offences and even attempting to groom children for sex.

McGrath was exposed after Hertfordshire police seized McGrath’s devices on 25 March 2025, when he was arrested on an unrelated matter. The court had heard that he admitted to being worried police would find “rude photographs” and think he was a paedophile. This prompted the police to search his electronics again, leading to the discovery of the cache.

CPS spokeswoman Claire Beards said of Conor McGrath:

The volume and nature of the indecent images that McGrath collected and stored showed his sustained and unlawful sexual interest in children. Some of the images were among the most serious and disturbing for which a person can be prosecuted.

Featured image via the Canary

By Skwawkbox

Source link

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)—a leading US think-tank and pro-Trump war mouthpiece—has been throwing shade on Egypt’s latest mediation efforts. These efforts are aiming to broker peace between Washington and Tehran.

The drive for peace by Egypt and regional allies

On the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Egyptian officials discussed with counterparts from Turkey and Pakistan, lasting solutions to end Trump’s war against Iran. Meanwhile, the think-tank suggests Egyptian mediation counteracts its self-projected image as an “antidote to political Islam.” Explaining the institute’s position, FDD research analyst Mariam Wahba underlined what she described as:

Cairo’s ideological flimsiness and chronic susceptibility to Islamist orbits.

Wahba argues that despite Cairo’s ‘deep backchannels’ with Washington and Tehran — dating back to Camp David — it’s alleged susceptibility towards Islamist actors (who she does not name) casts into doubt the durability of Egyptian president Sisi’s posture. Furthermore, the true fear, it seems, is the emergence of a unified front in the Middle East. This front may be capable of standing firm against US imperialism.

TRT reported that the forum was Turkey’s latest diplomatic initiative to explore viable off ramps to end the US-Israel war on Iran — with Egypt assuming a central role.

Top diplomats from Türkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt hold crucial meeting on the sidelines of annual Antalya Diplomatic Forum as Ankara launches latest diplomatic push to end US-Israel war on Iran https://t.co/YpQ3pyWzDm

— TRT World (@trtworld) April 17, 2026

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Foundation for Defense of Democracies (@fdd_org)

FDD, along with the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), the Hudson Institute, and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), are leading backers of Trump’s unlawful war on Iran. As per their coverage, they have also been relentlessly pro-Israel as documented by Responsible Statecraft at the Quincy Institute.

Manufacturing consent in defence of Israel

FDD, best known for its steely criticism of armed resistance factions and Islamist groups in the Arab world, has been levelling the same criticism at Turkey.

FDD senior fellow, Sinan Ciddi, recently wrote that Erdoğan “lives comfortably in a world of contradictions,” condemning Israel while collecting transit fees on Azerbaijani oil that fuels Israeli F-35s.

My interview w/@Ken_Silverstein for @Forbes where I detail Erdogan’s need for an external enemy in , while compromising on his so-called moral principleshttps://t.co/92APSjdnBd

— Sinan Ciddi (@SinanCiddi) April 19, 2026

Commenting of Erdogan’s posturing, Ciddi contends that:

Erdoğan has a duplicitous relationship with NATO—the same as he does with Israel. Turkey enables the Russian war machine. Erdoğan likes having his feet in both camps, which is an issue for the allies. It is all deeply hypocritical and contradictory, but he needs the trade and profits.

In a similar vein, the FDD has criticised Saudi Arabia. FDD’s Hussain Abdul-Hussain — author of the ‘Arab Case for Israel‘ — wrote in the Jewish Chronicle that Saudi Arabia is “turning back to Islamism — and against Israel” to deflect from domestic economic troubles.

The beginning of the end

These DC think tanks are balking at the prospect of diplomatic unity among Muslim nations. This reflects a fear of losing US hegemony. Its preservation, however, depends on the presence of Israel as a destabilising force in the region. Should they hold, such alliance building may mark the beginning of the end for America’s crumbling imperial architecture in the Middle East.

On the media front in Israel, there have been consistent efforts at manufacturing consent for a ‘pre-emptive strike’ on Egypt. These efforts are rife since Trump attacked Iran. The same can be said for Turkey.

This has also been highlighted by Professor Nicholas Taleb. He recently shared a post by an Israeli commentator highlighting how the campaign for manufacturing consent against Turkey as an “existential threat” was taking place.

The orchestrated campaign has started. https://t.co/y5Cnp3g0zo

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb (@nntaleb) April 19, 2026

Advertisement

The campaign is already underway. Politicians and diplomats in Pakistan, Turkey, and not least, Egypt, would be wise to recognise it for what it is.

Featured image via Egyptian State Information Service

By The Canary

Source link

Wolverhampton Wanderers – the Wolves – have officially been relegated to the football English Championship, following West Ham United’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace at the conclusion of matchday 33 of the 2025–26 Premier League season.

Wolves: relegated

With this relegation, the “Wolves” bring to a close eight years amongst the elite, returning to the Championship after a disastrous campaign in which they finished bottom of the table, 16 points adrift of safety, with just five matches remaining.

In 33 matches, Wolves managed just three wins and eight draws, whilst suffering 22 defeats, amassing only 17 points – a tally that reflects the significant decline in form that has plagued the team throughout the season.

Meanwhile, the battle to avoid relegation is heating up among several clubs, most notably Tottenham Hotspur, who sit 18th with 31 points, alongside Burnley, who are 19th with 20 points. Teams such as Leeds United (39 points), Nottingham Forest (36 points) and West Ham United (33 points) are also still fighting to secure their survival.

A message from the board following relegation

Following confirmation of relegation, the club’s CEO Nathan Shee addressed the fans in a message, describing the moment as “difficult and painful”, whilst emphasising that work had begun since he took office in December 2025 to lay the foundations for a swift return.

He noted that the management is aware of the shortcomings, and that the coming phase will focus on rebuilding the team and strengthening its competitiveness, whilst seeking to assemble a squad that restores the fans’ confidence.

He concluded his message by expressing his appreciation for the fans’ support despite the harshness of the season, emphasising that the primary objective in the coming phase is to reintroduce a team worthy of their ambitions and give them what they deserve.

Featured image via the Canary

By Alaa Shamali

Source link

Grassroots organisations, community leaders and changemakers across London are being encouraged to secure one of the final remaining places at an upcoming gathering hosted by Surviving Universal UK. This is the UK’s only Black-led organisation specialising in culturally competent safeguarding, advocacy and support for individuals affected by high-control and coercive environments.

In This Together: A Grassroots Gathering

Taking place on Thursday 23 April 2026 at the iconic House of MOBO, ‘In This Together: A Grassroots Gathering’ will bring together a curated mix of grassroots leaders, allies, funders and decision-makers for an afternoon of meaningful connection and collaboration.

Unlike traditional conferences, the event has been intentionally designed as an intimate, high-impact space, prioritising genuine relationship-building between those working on the ground and those influencing funding, policy and safeguarding responses.

Founded by MOBO Awards founder Kanya King, House of MOBO provides a culturally significant backdrop for a gathering centred on elevating under-represented voices and strengthening grassroots networks.

Confirmed and anticipated contributors include:

• A representative from London Community Foundation.
• A visit from local MP Helen Hayes.
• A special address from a high-profile Member of Parliament.
• Special address from Dawn Butler.
• Three recent Civic Award winners, recognised for their contribution to local communities.

Attendees will also benefit from:

• A curated networking environment with grassroots organisations and allies.
• Opportunities to connect with funders and decision-makers.
• A culturally rooted venue centred on Black British excellence.
• Complimentary goodie bags for attendees, featuring contributions from supporting brands.

With capacity intentionally limited to maintain the quality of the experience, tickets have now been released to the public via Eventbrite following an initial private allocation to community partners.

Rachael Reign, founder and CEO of Surviving Universal UK, said:

This isn’t about numbers, it’s about impact. We’ve intentionally created a space where grassroots leaders and community groups can be in the same room as people who hold influence and resources. That kind of access doesn’t happen often, and that’s why this matters.

The event is expected to draw a diverse mix of attendees from across London’s community sector.

There’s still time to book, but remaining tickets are limited and expected to sell out. Find more details and book tickets here.

Featured image via Surviving Universal UK

By The Canary

Source link

Here at the Canary, we’re very supportive of people coming to the UK. The exception is people whose sole purpose is driving a wedge between the citizens of Britain — including Valentina Gomez, the disgraced and defeated MAGA congressional candidate best known for her racist and Islamophobic vitriol.

As such, we weren’t disappointed to read the following:

NEW: The Home Office has barred Valentina Gomez from the UK on the grounds that her presence would not be conducive to the public good, Sky News understands.

Her Electronic Travel Authorisation has been revoked. https://t.co/4HG5sGX10p

Advertisement

— Ben Bloch (@realBenBloch) April 20, 2026

Stop the boat

In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s 2016 win, acting like an unhinged demon became a viable path to political power. This worked for politicians like Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz; it hasn’t worked for Valentina Gomez, despite her many desperate attempts.

Islam has no place in Texas.

Help me to Congress so we can end the Islamization of America.

I only fear God. pic.twitter.com/NxjsNlZSGo

— Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) April 29, 2025

Gomez sought to satisfy her need for attention with a US political career, but she was too much of a freak for the Yanks — and at this point, that’s really saying something.

Valentina Gomez, the extremist MAGA candidate for Texas’s 31st congressional district, lost the Republican primary and received only 10% of the vote.

She is now like a typical Trumper claiming the primary was “rigged”:

“I have video evidence that my election has been RIGGED to… pic.twitter.com/pFxF6ypvAp

Advertisement

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 4, 2026

In the video above, Gomez burns a Quran with some sort of toy flamethrower while claiming the “one true God” is the “God of Israel”. This strange wording makes more sense when you learn that Christian Zionist Gomez has ties to the nation of Israel. This includes waxing lyrical about Israel’s genocidal military and in-person visits to the Gaza border facilitated by the genocidal power.

Watching Valentina Gomez prostitute herself out to a foreign nation is absolutely disgusting. pic.twitter.com/uw2zqqFeQz

— Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) October 22, 2025

To give you an idea of how rancid Gomez is, here are some recent posts of hers:

I’m coming to England whether the pedophiles muslims like it or NOT.

Idk why muslims are obsessed with me.

I’m not 6 years old OR a goat.

Don’t forget, this is a goat, NOT a wife. https://t.co/s6rNPZ2AmN pic.twitter.com/NeWLXMNcQa

— Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) April 19, 2026

Advertisement

The Home Office and Shabana Mahmood need to be consistent.

They revoked Kanye West’s visa. Why not revoke Valentina Gomez’s for her bigotry? pic.twitter.com/SKe5mAtIwE

— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) April 9, 2026

Advertisement

Valentina posted the following in preparation for her visit to the UK:

England, see you SOON

May 16th.

Advertisement

England will be ENGLISH again. pic.twitter.com/JvCgXQilr0

— Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) April 17, 2026

Since having her visa revoked, Gomez has vowed to travel to the UK by boat:

I’m coming to England on a boat.

They can try to ban me, but they cannot ban the TRUTH.

See you on May 16th pic.twitter.com/dnvyPJbzZ4

— Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) April 20, 2026

If history has taught us anything, it’s that hostile hispanic invaders do well when they travel to Britain by sea.

This is a joke, obviously. Because unlike Gomez and her bedfellows, we do not support drowning people at sea.

Even when they’re really, really annoying.

Not the first

Gomez was set to appear at this year’s Unite the Kingdom rally. As we reported 15 January, a speaker at last year’s rally was also banned from entering the UK:

Vlaardingerbroek is part of Generation Remigration, which is a group that advocates for — you guessed it — ‘remigration’. For those who don’t know, Remigration is the plan to deport non-white people from European countries. This includes those who were born here.

We added:

According to the last Census, the number of people who aren’t ‘white’ is over 10 million — many of whom were born here. Indeed, many may be second, third, or fourth generation. How many of those people would oppose being deported? How many white people do you think would join them? Going off the global George Floyd protests, we can assume ‘a shit tonne’.

What do you call a situation in which one section of the country goes to war with the other?

As we argued, if agitators like Gomez and Vlaardingerbroek got their way, Britain would descend into civil war.

In other words, why would we grant them a visa?

If they want to fuck up a country, they can start at home.

In Gomez’s case, there won’t be much left to fuck up by the time Trump is done with America.

Featured image via X/Valentina Gomez

By Willem Moore

Source link