A team comprising five Liberal Members of Parliament and a single NDP lawmaker are set to embark on a three-day journey to Israel and the occupied West Bank amidst strained relations between Ottawa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
Liberal MP Sameer Zuberi, representing Pierrefonds-Dollard in Montreal, stated that their presence could help defuse tensions by encouraging better behavior from local actors with international observers around.
During their visit, the MPs plan to engage with civil society organizations, Palestinian refugees, internally displaced persons, Canadian and Palestinian Authority officials, and hold discussions with Jordanian lawmakers before entering Israel.
The trip follows Canada’s recent formal recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that irked Israel, with Netanyahu criticizing it as an attempt to impose a “terror state.” Canada and other nations have emphasized that Hamas should not have a role in governing a future Palestinian state.
The delegation’s sponsored travel is facilitated by the Canadian Muslim Vote, similar to a previous visit by a different group of Liberal and NDP MPs in early 2024. NDP MP Jenny Kwan expressed concerns about potential entry issues into Israel.
Their itinerary includes meetings with Palestinian families affected by settler violence and discussions with Palestinian Authority officials on democratic reforms and institution-building in the West Bank.
Despite recent Israeli government approval for the construction of 764 settler homes in the West Bank, deemed illegal under international law, the MPs aim to address settler violence issues faced by Palestinians, as highlighted by a prior delegation’s visit.
The group includes MPs Fares Al Soud and Aslam Rana from Mississauga Centre and Hamilton Centre, respectively, as well as Liberals Iqra Khalid of Mississauga-Erin Mills and Gurbux Saini of Fleetwood-Port Kells. The government has opposed a private members’ bill proposed by Kwan to restrict Canadian arms exports to the U.S., citing concerns about licensing efficiency and industry impact.
Kwan also seeks insights on an immigration program for Palestinians fleeing Gaza and feedback on her bill, requiring support from multiple parties due to the NDP’s limited seats in the House of Commons. Opposition parties have expressed reservations about the bill’s implications on Canada’s defence sector.
The MPs remain committed to promoting peace through diplomatic efforts and engaging with stakeholders to address ongoing challenges in the region.
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