Earlier this month, six members of Canada’s Parliament tried to enter the occupied West Bank, hoping to discuss the situation with Palestinian officials and human rights advocates. Israeli authorities prevented them from entering. This incident highlights the growing tensions surrounding Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian fatalities since October 2023. The Canadian government is preparing to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN General Assembly, amidst increasing calls from various groups within Canada to reevaluate its longstanding support for Israel.
This was organized by the Canadian Muslim Vote. It was composed of five members from the governing Liberal Party and one member from the New Democratic Party (NDP). Their goal was to return with first-hand impressions from the ground that reflected the reality that Palestinians live on a daily basis in the area. Each time, Israeli authorities denied their entry at the border on security grounds. Israel further tightens controls over crossings into the occupied West Bank. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it frequently denies entry to foreign citizens who criticize its policies.
Calls for Action in Canada
The draconian decision to bar their entry has been universally condemned by a broad cross-section of Canadian organizations. Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) expressed their anger. They are specifically demanding that the Canadian federal government impose diplomatic sanctions against Israel and expel Israel’s ambassador to Canada.
“This development is deeply troubling and extremely disappointing,” – Stephen Brown
Against the backdrop of this new war, Canada is facing mounting pressure to reconsider its relationship with Israel. Many Canadians are advocating for a more assertive stance in support of Palestinian rights, particularly given the escalating violence in both Gaza and the West Bank. The CJPME underscored that Israel is spying on the Canadian delegation. This devastating move is part of a greater trend to stanch access to anyone trying to understand what’s really happening out.
“While we are saddened by this outcome, it regrettably aligns with a broader pattern by the Israeli government of restricting access to those seeking to independently witness the realities in the occupied territories.” – National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM)
Humanitarian Crisis in Palestine
The humanitarian situation in Palestine has reached a crisis point. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced from their homes over the past year due to escalating violence from Israeli military operations and settler activities. The international community should be just as shocked by these developments. In anticipation, Canada and a number of European allies have made headlines recently with plans to recognize an independent Palestinian state.
The Canadian government has constantly and consistently been one of Israel’s strongest supporters. It has recently come under mounting pressure on the home front to reconsider this stance. In supporting Israel despite this behavior, many citizens are rightfully worried about the message that sends in allowing continued support, further emboldening Israel’s settler colonial movement against Palestinians.
“The inability of Canadian elected officials and observers to access the region is a matter of public interest and raises important questions for Canadians.” – Canadian Muslim Vote
Israel’s Security Concerns and International Relations
Israel refuses admission to foreign citizens mostly on security grounds. In doing so, they view these people as being not value-adding, and indeed as threats to public safety. This perspective reflects a broader strategy employed by the Israeli government to control narratives surrounding its actions in occupied territories.
Yara Shoufani, an advocate for Palestinian rights, asserted that denying access to Canadian lawmakers is a violation of democratic principles.
“Israel is an illegitimate occupying power in Palestine, and simply does not have the right to bar entry to Canadian lawmakers into the country,” – Yara Shoufani
