Israel Denies Entry to Canadian MPs, Bars Delegation Headed to West Bank
Israel denies entry to delegation over terror links claim.
Israeli authorities on Tuesday denied entry to a private Canadian delegation of approximately 30 individuals, including six members of Parliament, at the Allenby Bridge crossing from Jordan into the occupied West Bank. The group, organized by the nonprofit The Canadian-Muslim Vote, aimed to conduct a fact-finding mission involving meetings with displaced Palestinians, aid organizations, and representatives from Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities amid escalating settler violence and recent approvals for 764 new settlement homes.
The Israeli Embassy in Canada justified the decision by alleging ties to Islamic Relief Worldwide, designated by Israel as a terrorist organization since 2014, through funding from its Canadian subsidiary, Islamic Relief Canada. Officials stated that entry would not be permitted for individuals or groups associated with designated terror entities, emphasizing public security, safety, and order considerations.
Members of the delegation reported prolonged detention at the border for several hours, with pre-approved electronic travel authorizations suddenly revoked upon arrival. Liberal MP Iqra Khalid described being physically shoved multiple times by border officials while attempting to assist a delegate under questioning, despite officials holding her distinctive parliamentary passport.
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New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan and other participants, including Liberal MPs such as Sameer Zuberi, condemned the treatment as aggressive and unacceptable. The National Council of Canadian Muslims raised concerns over the denial's impact on transparency and accountability, particularly regarding elected parliamentarians.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced that Ottawa had formally objected to the mistreatment of its citizens. The incident occurs against the backdrop of Canada's recognition of Palestinian statehood in September 2025 under Prime Minister Mark Carney, a policy shift supporting a two-state solution despite international tensions.
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