Canadian Delegation Barred from West Bank
A delegation of 30 Canadians, including six Members of Parliament, was denied entry to the West Bank by Israeli authorities on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The group, attempting to cross from Jordan at the Allenby land crossing, was informed their entry was rejected due to 'public safety threats' and alleged associations with a designated terror entity.
The Canadian MPs involved were Liberal MPs Sameer Zuberi, Fares Al Soud, Aslam Rana, Iqra Khalid, Gurbux Saini, and NDP MP Jenny Kwan.
Israel Cites Links to Designated Terror Entity
The Israeli Embassy in Canada issued a statement clarifying the reason for the denial. According to the embassy, the delegation was denied entry because the trip's organizer, The Canadian-Muslim Vote, receives the majority of its funding from Islamic Relief Canada, a subsidiary of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW). Israel listed Islamic Relief Worldwide as a terror entity in June 2014. An Israeli diplomat, Yifah Mivtach Greenvald, stated, 'The State of Israel will not allow the entry of organizations and individuals who are associated with designated terror entities.'
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), which manages civilian authorities and border crossings in the West Bank, also stated the denial was 'for security reasons' and that the group arrived 'without prior coordination.'
Canadian Delegation Rejects Allegations and Reports Incident
Members of the Canadian delegation strongly rejected Israel's justification. They stated that they had obtained valid electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) to enter the West Bank, which were reportedly revoked on the day of their arrival. The delegation described their mission as a 'fact-finding mission' aimed at meeting with aid groups, refugees, and Jewish, Muslim, and Christian individuals in the region.
Some delegates were asked to sign a document stating they were denied entry due to 'public safety' or 'public safety risk,' which they declined to do. Liberal MP Iqra Khalid reported being shoved multiple times by Israeli border officials when she attempted to check on another delegate who was being questioned. MPs Sameer Zuberi and Jenny Kwan corroborated witnessing the incident.
Canadian Government Expresses Objections
Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, Anita Anand, posted on social media platform X that Global Affairs Canada was in contact with the delegation. She stated that Canada has 'expressed Canada's objections regarding the mistreatment of these Canadians while attempting to cross.'
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), which had members in the delegation, called the refusal 'deeply troubling and extremely disappointing,' noting that it 'aligns with a broader pattern by the Israeli government of restricting access to those seeking to independently witness the realities in the occupied territories.'
6 Comments
Noir Black
If there are terror links, denial is absolutely justified. Smart move, Israel.
KittyKat
The Israeli government's concern about the historical designation of Islamic Relief Worldwide is understandable from a security perspective. However, the heavy-handed denial and alleged mistreatment of Canadian MPs is a significant diplomatic misstep that overshadows any legitimate security claim.
Katchuka
National security is non-negotiable. Don't blame Israel for protecting its citizens.
Donatello
Israel has every right to protect its borders. Security comes first.
Michelangelo
On one hand, nations have the right to secure their borders against perceived threats, but on the other, blocking independent observers, especially parliamentarians, obstructs transparency. A more open approach, perhaps with escorted visits, might have been more productive.
Noir Black
Denying elected officials entry? Unacceptable overreach by Israel.