Israel blocks Canadian delegation from entering West Bank

(MENAFN) Israel denied entry to a Canadian delegation seeking to visit the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, labeling the group as “public safety threats” despite previously granting them travel authorizations.

The delegation consisted of six Canadian MPs and representatives from various organizations, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

In explaining the refusal, Israeli officials noted that the organization behind the trip, Canadian Muslim Vote, receives most of its funding from Islamic Relief Canada. According to representatives in Tel Aviv, Islamic Relief Canada is a branch of Islamic Relief Worldwide, which Israel lists as a terrorist organization.

“This development is deeply troubling and extremely disappointing,” said Stephen Brown, head of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, in a statement. “Israeli authorities had issued electronic travel authorizations to all members of the delegation, yet lawful observers, including elected Canadian officials, were ultimately barred from entry as 'public safety threats.'

“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.”

Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed her department is in contact with the delegation. “We have expressed Canada’s objections regarding the mistreatment of these Canadians,” she wrote on X, a US-based social media platform.

Notably, Islamic Relief Canada is not designated as a terrorist organization by Canadian authorities and has previously received government grants for humanitarian aid abroad.

Reports from international observers have repeatedly highlighted mistreatment and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, often at the hands of illegal Israeli settlers, with Israeli security forces accused of allowing such actions to occur unchecked.

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