Year in Review: Key Events from August 2024 Unfolded
August 2024 was marked by significant global events, from political shifts to Olympic triumphs, shaping the world stage in various ways.
August 2024, Israel, Hamas, Canada, Olympics, U.S., Russia, Bangladesh, Qatar
Gaza: August 2024 was quite a month, filled with major happenings around the globe. One of the biggest stories was the Israeli military confirming the death of Hamas’ military leader, Mohammed Deif. He was reportedly killed in an airstrike back in July, which was a significant blow to the militant group. Just a day later, another airstrike in Tehran took out Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, adding to the tension in the region.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Russia made headlines with their largest prisoner swap since the Soviet era. This deal saw the release of several individuals, including a Wall Street Journal reporter, and took place in Turkey. President Biden praised the negotiations, calling it a remarkable diplomatic achievement.
On the sports front, Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh shone brightly at the Paris Olympics, bringing home her second gold medal and setting a new Olympic record in the 200-metre butterfly. She’s now among the few Canadians to win two golds at a single Olympic event.
In Nova Scotia, the province celebrated its first Acadian Heritage Month with a flag-raising ceremony, marking over 400 years of Acadian culture. The month was filled with concerts and gatherings, including the World Acadian Congress, which is the largest gathering of Acadian people globally.
In tech news, Google announced a new fee for advertisers in Canada, responding to a digital services tax imposed by the Canadian government. Starting in October, advertisers will face a 2.5% surcharge for ads displayed in Canada.
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris also made waves by securing enough votes to become the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, making history as the first woman of color to lead a major party’s ticket.
In Qatar, a funeral was held for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, drawing thousands of mourners. The aftermath of his death sparked protests across the Middle East, with calls for revenge echoing in various countries.
Back in Canada, two men were found not guilty of conspiring to kill police during the 2022 Coutts border blockade, although they were convicted on other charges related to weapons possession.
August was also marked by the tragic death of a firefighter in Jasper National Park, who was injured while battling a fire. He was just 24 years old and originally from Calgary.
In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned after 15 years in power amid protests, while in the scientific community, the world mourned the loss of physicist Tsung-Dao Lee, who passed away at 97.
As the month wrapped up, Canada’s Olympic team celebrated a record-breaking haul of 27 medals in Paris, with swimming star Summer McIntosh and hammer throw champion Ethan Katzberg carrying the flag at the closing ceremonies.