A Canadian delegation that included 30 members, six of whom were Members of Parliament, found themselves back in Canada after being denied entry to the West Bank last Tuesday. The group, which was sponsored by the charitable organization The Canadian-Muslim Vote, had planned to visit the West Bank to meet with displaced Palestinians but faced barriers at the Allenby Crossing.
Montreal MP Sameer Zuberi expressed his shock and dismay regarding the treatment received from Israeli border officials. Upon returning to Toronto's Pearson International Airport on Saturday with fellow MP Iqra Khalid, Zuberi described the treatment as "uncalled for and unbecoming." He raised concerns about the implications of such treatment for individuals who are not Canadian or Parliamentarians, illustrating a serious need for accountability in border enforcement.
The Israeli embassy in Canada attributed the denial of entry to the group's connection with The Canadian-Muslim Vote, which is reportedly linked to Islamic Relief Worldwide, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the Israeli government. This classification has raised significant controversy regarding the criteria used by Israeli officials for allowing or denying entry to foreign visitors.
MP Iqra Khalid, who represents Mississauga-Erin Mills, claimed that during the border encounter, she was physically pushed by officials while trying to assist a detained member of the delegation. Following this incident, Khalid communicated the details to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who assured her that the matter would be addressed.
Khalid emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and justice, stating, "There’s no democracy without transparency and accountability." She highlighted the critical role these pillars play as Canada engages with the region, particularly in its pursuit of promoting democracy.
In response to the incident, a spokeswoman for Minister Anand confirmed that Global Affairs Canada summoned the Israeli ambassador immediately upon learning of the delegation's issues at the border. This indicates a level of concern raised within the Canadian government regarding the treatment of its officials abroad.
Prior to their attempted entry into the West Bank, the delegation had visited Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan and met with Jordanian officials to gain insights on how Canada could assist in the region. This was part of a broader effort to understand the needs of displaced Palestinians and how Canadian resources might contribute to aid efforts.
It is worth noting that Canada formally recognized Palestinian statehood in September, although it outlined certain conditions that must be met before full recognition is established. Among these conditions are the necessity for elections scheduled for the upcoming year, during which Hamas will be excluded from participation.
The incidents surrounding the Canadian delegation's attempt to visit the West Bank reflect the complexities of international relations, particularly in regions characterized by conflict and differing political agendas. The actions taken by Canadian officials, including their immediate response to summon the Israeli ambassador, highlight a commitment to addressing such challenges in a diplomatic context.
