Canada Increases Visas for Palestinians Amid Gaza Crisis
Canada has announced a significant increase in visas for Palestinians seeking to join their family members in the country, Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed.
The number of visas available has been increased five-fold to address the growing humanitarian crisis, Excel Magazine International has gathered.
“We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Many people are worried about their loved ones and have expressed significant interest in the temporary special measures we introduced for their extended family in Gaza,” Miller stated.
Miller emphasized that the government is committed to assisting Palestinians trying to leave Gaza, though movement out of the territory is currently restricted due to factors beyond Ottawa’s control.
Although Excel Magazine International further told that residents of Gaza wishing to join family in Canada must first obtain approval from Israeli authorities to leave the territory and then undergo biometric screening in Egypt.
Earlier this month, the Israeli military seized control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt as part of its offensive in the southern city. “While movement out of Gaza is not currently possible, the situation may change at any time. With this cap increase, we will be ready to help more people as the situation evolves. Our focus remains on keeping families together,” Miller said.
Miller added that Canada continues to put forward the names of those who have passed preliminary screening to local authorities to secure their exit from Gaza.
He noted that Israel and Egypt are important partners in implementing these temporary humanitarian measures and helping people reunite with their families in Canada.
The announcement came as Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly joined a chorus of international condemnation following a deadly Israeli air strike on a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah. “This level of human suffering must come to an end. We demand an immediate ceasefire,” Joly declared.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 45 people, including 23 women, children, and elderly, were killed, and 249 others wounded in the attack on the tent camp.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the civilian deaths a “tragic mistake” and stated that the incident is under investigation.
