Winnipeg shows support for Paris in wake of attacks

Winnipeggers are showing solidarity with France in the wake of the attacks in Paris.

Whether it's flags lowered to half-mast or lights changed to reflect the blue, white and red of the national flag of France, there are subtle signs of support for Paris in Winnipeg.

The Université de Saint-Boniface and its student association are holding a moment of silence on Monday for the Paris victims.

A gathering will be held in the student centre Étienne Gaboury at 11:30 a.m.

Let us know if you see any other signs of support around Winnipeg or the community where you live. Comment below or email [email protected].

• Paris attacks: Belgian Abdelhamid Abaaoud identified as presumed mastermind

ISIS has claimed responsibility for the series of co-ordinated attacks on Friday that killed 129 people and injured hundreds more, many of whom remain in critical condition.

The eight attackers were also killed.

The Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba (CPAM) issued a release on Monday, saying it "vehemently condemns the recent rise of terror attacks."

In addition to the Paris attacks, CPAM noted the Beirut suicide bombings and the Israeli raid on a Palestinian hospital — both of which happened the day before Paris — as part of that rise.  

• Palestinian shoots 2 Israelis dead in West Bank attack

ISIS claimed responsibility for the Beirut bombings, which killed 43 people and injured some 240 others.

The Associated Press reported that surveillance video from the al-Ahli hospital showed Israeli forces disguised in traditional Arab outfits, including one impersonating a pregnant woman, raiding the facility and that the Israeli military said they were there to arrest a suspect in a stabbing attack.

According to the report, a wanted Palestinian man was dragged away in a wheelchair.

The Israeli military said the target of the raid was Azzam Shalaldeh, a Palestinian accused of stabbing and severely wounding an Israeli man in the West Bank late last month, according to AP.

It further reported that the Israeli military forces shot to death another man who attacked them, and that hospital workers identified him as Shalaldeh's cousin, Abdallah. The army said the cousins were "known Hamas operatives."

Osama Najjar, the spokesman for the Palestinian Health Ministry, called the incident an "assassination," according to The Telegraph. 

International human rights group Amnesty International said the killing of the 28-year-old Palestinian man could be called an "extrajudicial execution."

"We share the emotion and sadness and offer our sincerest sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of all the victims internationally," stated the release from CPAM president  Moh'd Badwan Zeid.

"A terror attack against one is an attack against all. We must sympathize with all victims of terror, which includes the refugees that are fleeing constant war and conflict currently plaguing the Arab world. We [implore] the new government of Canada to uphold their generous pledge pertaining to the settlement of Syrian refugees.