RAMALLAH, August 5, 2026 (WAFA) – On behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, Minister of Interior Ziad Hab Al-Rih on Wednesday awarded outgoing Canadian Commander of Task Force Jerusalem, Brigadier-General Jason Langelier, the Medal of Excellence in recognition of his distinguished contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting efforts to develop the Palestinian Security Forces’ (PASF) capacities.

Minister Hab Al-Rih presented Brigadier-General Langelier with the medal during a meeting at the Ministry of Interior in Ramallah, marking the conclusion of Langelier's mission in the State of Palestine under Operation PROTEUS, Canada’s contribution to the Middle East Peace Process.

The meeting was attended by the commanders of the Customs Police (CP), the National Security Forces (NSF), and the Presidential Guard (PG), the Director General of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP), the Director General of the Civil Defense (CD), the Security Assistant to the Minister of Interior, and the Minister's Adviser for Aid Coordination.

Minister Hab Al-Rih underscored the deep bilateral Palestinian-Canadian relations, commending the Canadian government for supporting the Palestinian people and for Task Force Jerusalem’s role in assisting the Ministry of Interior and the Palestinian security sector through capacity-building programs and institutional development efforts, which have helped enhance the PASF’s competencies and improve the quality of services provided to Palestinian citizens.

For his part, Brigadier-General Langelier expressed his appreciation for receiving the Medal of Excellence, taking pride in the partnership and cooperation among Task Force Jerusalem, the Ministry of Interior, and the broader Palestinian Security Establishment. He also thanked his Palestinian counterparts for the cooperation extended to him throughout his tenure.

K.F.