Canada briefly detains Israeli comedian after complaints over conduct in Gaza

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Alice SperiJanuary 20, 2026 at 10:16 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Israeli comedian Guy Hochman was briefly detained in Canada on Monday after a pro-Palestinian legal group filed a complaint accusing him of war crimes and inciting genocide. Hochman, a former combat soldier, was detained at Toronto Pearson airport upon arrival and questioned for six hours before being released following intervention from the Israeli consulate. The complaint, supported by multiple legal organizations, alleges Hochman participated in the destruction of a mosque in Rafah in September 2024 and made public statements inciting violence against Palestinians. The Hind Rajab Foundation has also filed a similar complaint with US authorities, urging them to investigate Hochman before his scheduled performance in New York City. Hochman confirmed the detention on social media, stating he was eventually allowed to enter Canada.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Rafah 40% Times of Israel 40% New York City 40% Toronto Pearson International Airport 50% Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights 50% Legal Centre for Palestine 50% United States 50% Israel 60% Canada ×270% Gaza ×470% Hind Rajab Foundation ×380% Guy Hochman ×790%

Keywords

war crimes 90% incitement to genocide 80% israeli comedian 70% detention 70% gaza 60% legal complaint 50% palestinians 50% international law 50% religious sites 40%