Post by : Meena Ariff

On Tuesday, a Canadian delegation of parliamentarians and civil society members was barred from entering the Israeli-occupied West Bank, reigniting debates about human rights and freedom of movement in the area. Israeli officials cited “public safety” concerns as the rationale for this denial, affecting notable individuals such as MP Jenny Kwan from the New Democratic Party (NDP).

Kwan firmly disputed these claims, questioning the categorization of elected officials and humanitarian workers as a security risk. “How can members of parliament be viewed as a public safety issue? How do humanitarian organizations come to be perceived as a threat?” she remarked in an interview.

Organized by The Canadian-Muslim Vote, the delegation consisted of 30 Canadians aiming to embark on a fact-finding mission within the West Bank. Their objective was to engage with local Palestinian communities and understand daily life under occupation, alongside discussions with Jewish families affected by the ongoing conflicts.

After a lengthy inspection process at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge, the sole crossing into the Palestinian territory by Israel, the delegation was returned to Jordan. Kwan described an incident where one female MP was “manhandled” by Israeli border personnel while trying to observe another delegate during additional questioning.

Canadian officials clarified that the group was operating independently and not on behalf of the government. Global Affairs Canada expressed its “regret” over the situation but stated it cannot intervene in Israeli border policies. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that objections regarding the treatment of Canadian citizens were communicated, although expressing the challenges of diplomatic leverage in these scenarios.

This entry refusal follows Canada's recognition of an independent Palestinian state in September, a decision that reportedly displeased Israeli authorities. Critics within the delegation raised questions about whether the denial aimed to keep foreign observers from witnessing conditions on the ground. Fawad Kalsi, CEO of Penny Appeal Canada, queried, “What are they trying to hide?”

Kwan reiterated these concerns, pointing out that foreign doctors seeking to deliver medicine and baby formula to the West Bank were also refused entry. She cautioned that such restrictions foster the spread of misinformation and called for greater international oversight of Israeli occupation policies.

This incident underscores mounting demands for transparency and accountability, as activists and humanitarian organizations report a spike in violence against Palestinians. Observers suggest that the international community must consider both diplomatic and humanitarian aspects to effectively address this ongoing crisis.

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