Ottawa's call for a "truce" in the deadly Israel-Hamas war

Plus, the price of returning to Canada and a boy's death from wildfire smoke [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on the Israel-Gaza conflict, a deported Roma family granted permanent residence in Canada and a nine-year-old boy’s death from wildfire smoke. DON’T MISS Abed Khaled/AP Photo israel-hamas war [Canada is calling for a humanitarian “truce” in the Israel-Gaza conflict]( The federal government hasn’t supported a ceasefire in the Middle East, but it is calling for a humanitarian “truce” after Israel expanded its ground operation in Gaza this weekend and the U.S. stepped up diplomatic efforts in the region. The use of the word “truce” doesn’t appear to mark a major shift for the Trudeau government, Tonda MacCharles reports, but a source said it is part of an effort from Ottawa to communicate its intentions more clearly. [Here’s what else we know about how Ottawa is engaging with the deadly conflict](. - On the home front: In prepared remarks Monday, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada is trying to assist about 400 Canadians trapped in Gaza and is searching for two missing Canadians who could be among those kidnapped by Hamas. - Across the border: U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with leaders of Israel and Egypt Sunday, emphasizing the need for more aid to Gaza and the importance of protecting civilian life, while preventing a widening war. - Meanwhile: “Military actions don’t solve anything,” [says the son of a Canadian presumed to be held hostage in Gaza](. Supplied Photo immigration [Canada deported this Roma family. They can return — for a hefty cost]( When Sarka Cervenakova and her family were deported from Canada, she knew there was nothing for them to return to in the Czech Republic, Nicholas Keung reports. Once back in Prague, where Cervenakova has a sister, the parents begged passersby for money and worked whatever odd jobs they could. Months later, the family found out Canada had approved their humanitarian application for permanent residence. But returning would come at a cost — $12,630 to be exact. [This is the discrimination and hardship that ultimately compelled immigration officials to approve the family’s return](. - More: The family allegedly fled the threats of far-right skinheads for asylum in Canada in 2009. Their claim was refused four years later, but they were issued temporary resident permits in 2014. In 2019, they were slated for removal, but were only deported in 2022 due to pandemic delays. - Go deeper: “So many doors have been closed to us. There’s no future for Roma people in the Czech Republic without education and jobs,” said Cervenakova, who is a dropout from middle school and whose husband never had a formal education. Supplied Photo climate [A nine-year-old’s death from wildfire smoke highlights a problem that could get much worse]( Carter Vigh had been having a perfect summer day, comprising a picnic, playing soccer and a visit to the water park. But as wildfire smoke rolled in, the nine-year-old boy with asthma later began to cough. When the coughing wouldn’t stop, his parents gave him his puffer. When that didn’t help, they drove him to the hospital, where a team of doctors, nurses and paramedics worked furiously on him. Experts later said Carter’s parents did everything right. What happened to their son was part of a bigger problem, Kate Allen reports. [Here’s why — and how — Canadians need to prepare for worsening impacts of air pollution](. - More: When the family checked the Air Quality Health Index that day, they saw a reading that indicated low risk. But since they lived far from a major urban centre, the number was based on air quality measurements taken almost 100 kilometres away. - Go deeper: [Why our measurements don’t capture the true risks of wildfire smoke](. - Watch for: Unfightable flames, wildfires that make their own weather and [other terrifying trends scientists have observed](. [Smart Money newsletter launch] Get expert help with your money. If you’re looking for advice you can trust when it comes to managing your finances, you might like the Star’s new Smart Money newsletter, [sponsored by Fidelity](. Every week, Smart Money will break down what you need to know to make, save and manage your money. [Sign up for free here](. WHAT ELSE Ontario will offer [free flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines starting today](. Here’s how Danielle Smith’s proposal [threatens your Canada Pension Plan](. Matthew Perry’s legacy reaches beyond “Friends.” [He led with authenticity in discussing his mental health and addiction](. 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ICYMI Supplied Photo [Here’s why you’re seeing so many “Halloween beetles” in Toronto (including at home).]( CLOSE-UP Richard Lautens/The Star UNIVERSITY AVENUE: As Gaza officials reported a death toll of Palestinians surpassing 8,000, anger spilled onto the streets of downtown Toronto for the third straight day on Sunday. [Take a look at how the sprawling demonstration unfolded](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_202854). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. 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