Canadian MPs Denied Entry to the West Bank
A delegation of Canadian politicians and civil society leaders, including New Democratic Party MP Jenny Kwan, was denied entry to the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Tuesday. Israel cited public safety concerns as the reason for blocking the group, which included six Canadian MPs and 30 delegates organized by the nonprofit Canadian-Muslim Vote.
The delegation had planned a three-day fact-finding mission to meet with Palestinian residents, local organizations, and Jewish families affected by the conflict. Instead, the group was turned back to Jordan at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge crossing, which Israel controls on the Palestinian side.
Jenny Kwan Questions Public Safety Justification
MP Jenny Kwan openly challenged Israel’s rationale, asking:
“How is it that members of parliament are a public safety concern? How is it that civil society organizations doing humanitarian work are a security concern?”
Kwan described incidents at the border, including a female MP being physically manhandled by Israeli border agents while observing another delegate undergoing further interrogation.
“She was shoved – not once, not twice, but multiple times – by border agents. A member of parliament was handled in that way. If you were just an everyday person, what else could have happened?”
The delegation’s mission aimed to shed light on the daily realities of life in the West Bank, particularly amid a surge in Israeli military and settler violence. Kwan emphasized that the trip was strictly humanitarian and fact-finding, and she rejected claims that it posed any threat.
Canada Responds, Cites Limited Influence
In response, Global Affairs Canada stated that while the country regrets the incident, the delegation was not representing the Canadian government. The ministry noted:
“Canada continues to advocate for the easing of movement restrictions into and throughout Palestinian territory. Israel controls access to the West Bank and determines its own entry requirements. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in these decisions.”
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that the ministry was in contact with the delegates and had expressed concerns over their treatment at the crossing.
Israeli Authorities Cite Coordination and Security Issues
Israel’s military agency overseeing Palestinian territories, COGAT, claimed the delegates were denied entry due to arriving without prior coordination and for security reasons. However, the Canadian delegation stated that they had applied for and received Israel Electronic Travel Authorization permits and had informed the Canadian government of their plans in advance.
Kwan expressed confusion over Israel’s explanation:
“We followed every step that we’re supposed to follow, so I’m not quite sure exactly what they mean or what they’re referring to.”
Context: Canada Recognizes Palestinian State
The incident follows Canada’s recent decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state, a move that drew criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Netanyahu said:
“Israel will not allow you to shove a terror state down our throats.”
This diplomatic backdrop has heightened tensions between Canada and Israel, particularly as Western countries face pressure over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing conflict in the West Bank.
Delegation Questions Motives Behind Entry Ban
Delegates questioned whether the refusal of entry was intended to prevent independent witnesses from documenting conditions in the West Bank. Fawad Kalsi, CEO of the relief group Penny Appeal Canada, asked:
“What are they trying to hide?”
Kwan echoed this concern, noting that even foreign doctors bringing medicine and baby formula were being turned away at the crossing. She stressed that the incident highlights the broader difficulties faced by ordinary Palestinians under restricted movement.
“If we as members of parliament could face denial of entry, imagine what is going on on the ground with other people, and the difficulties that they face that we do not know about.”
Implications for Canada-Israel Relations
The blockade of the Canadian delegation underscores the complex dynamics between Canada and Israel. Canada has long supported Israel diplomatically, but its recent recognition of Palestinian statehood and ongoing advocacy for Palestinian rights have created diplomatic friction.
Experts warn that incidents like these may strain bilateral relations and raise broader questions about freedom of movement, humanitarian access, and accountability in conflict zones.
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