Israel’s Entry Ban Exposes Fear of Accountability
Israel has barred entry to six Canadian Members of Parliament and accompanying community leaders who attempted to reach the occupied West Bank from Jordan to meet Palestinian officials and human rights advocates. The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) said the delegation, which included five Liberal MPs and one New Democratic Party MP, was labeled “public safety threats” despite having valid travel authorizations.
Advocacy groups condemned the move, calling it part of Israel’s broader pattern of restricting access to observers critical of its policies. Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) urged Ottawa to impose diplomatic sanctions and expel Israel’s ambassador, arguing the denial violates international norms and undermines Canada’s recognition of Palestinian statehood. The incident comes amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands, and rising settler violence in the West Bank. Critics say the ban highlights Israel’s entrenched occupation and disregard for Palestinian self-determination.


