Israeli authorities have denied entry to a delegation of six Canadian Members of Parliament attempting to visit the occupied West Bank, escalating diplomatic tensions and raising serious questions about Israel's efforts to control international access to Palestinian territories. The incident, which included the alleged physical manhandling of an elected official, has been condemned by the lawmakers and the Canadian government as an unacceptable act of aggression and obstruction.
The 30-person delegation, which included six MPs from Canada's Liberal Party and New Democratic Party, was sponsored by the non-profit organization The Canadian-Muslim Vote (TCMV). Their planned fact-finding mission aimed to meet with displaced Palestinians, Jewish families affected by the conflict, and various humanitarian and civil society groups. Despite having their electronic travel authorizations approved and the Canadian government formally notifying Israel of their plans in advance, the entire group was turned back at the Israeli-controlled Allenby Bridge crossing after hours of detention.
The denial was compounded by reports of aggressive treatment. Liberal MP Iqra Khalid stated that she was repeatedly shoved by an Israeli border officer. She described an incident where, after she stepped closer to observe the questioning of another delegate, an officer yelled in her face, pushed her into a wall, and, when she protested, said, "I will touch you as much as I want," before pushing her again. NDP MP Jenny Kwan, who witnessed the event, said a parliamentarian was "manhandled" and questioned how ordinary travelers are treated if elected officials face such hostility.
Israeli authorities provided conflicting justifications for the denial. The Israeli embassy in Canada and Ambassador Iddo Moed stated the decision was based on TCMV's funding links to Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), an organization Israel designates as a terrorist entity. They argued the delegation did not adequately cooperate with questioning at the border. Conversely, the Israeli military agency COGAT claimed the group arrived "without prior coordination," a claim the MPs strongly deny, pointing to their pre-approved authorizations and official government notifications.
This reasoning has been met with widespread rejection. The sponsoring organization, Islamic Relief Canada, categorically denied supporting terrorism, stating its work is purely humanitarian and subject to rigorous independent audits. Critics note that a nearly identical delegation sponsored by the same groups visited the West Bank in early 2024 without issue, suggesting the change in policy is politically motivated. MPs and civil society leaders involved framed the denial as a transparent attempt by Israel to hide the realities of life under occupation. "What is it that the Israeli government is trying to hide?" asked Jenny Kwan, while another delegate questioned why access would be blocked if there was nothing to conceal.
The incident has further strained Canada-Israel relations, which deteriorated significantly after Canada formally recognized Palestinian statehood in September 2025. MP Jenny Kwan speculated that this recognition may have contributed to the delegation's rejection. While Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed objections to the "mistreatment" of its citizens, the government noted it cannot intervene in another country's entry decisions.
The event is not isolated but part of a documented pattern of Israel restricting access for international observers, aid workers, and diplomats to the West Bank and Gaza. Members of the delegation reported seeing foreign doctors being turned back at the same crossing while trying to bring in medicine and baby formula. This systematic restriction of movement for Palestinians, now extended to foreign parliamentarians, underscores the challenges of witnessing and addressing the humanitarian and political situation in the occupied territories. For Palestinian advocates, the blocking of the Canadian MPs serves as a potent symbol of the broader isolation and lack of accountability faced by communities under Israeli control.