Jerusalem | December 17, 2025
Israel has denied entry to a private Canadian delegation, including six members of Canada’s Parliament, preventing them from traveling to the occupied West Bank, Israeli and Canadian officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to the Israeli Embassy in Canada, the delegation was stopped due to alleged links involving some members with Islamic Relief Worldwide, an organization that Israel has designated as a terrorist group. The embassy said the decision was taken based on security assessments tied to those associations.
The delegation had arrived from Canada as part of a privately organized visit and was not permitted to proceed into the West Bank-controlled areas.
Canada Raises Objection
Responding to the incident, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand expressed strong concern over Israel’s action. In a statement shared on social media, Anand said the Canadian government has formally objected to the treatment of its citizens, particularly elected lawmakers.
“Canada has raised serious concerns regarding the manner in which Canadian parliamentarians were denied entry,” the foreign minister said, emphasizing the importance of respecting diplomatic norms and the status of elected representatives.
Diplomatic Sensitivities
Islamic Relief Worldwide operates in several countries providing humanitarian assistance, but Israel has repeatedly accused the organization of having links to militant groups—claims the organization has denied. Several Western governments have not designated the charity as a terrorist entity.
The incident is likely to add strain to Israel–Canada diplomatic relations, particularly amid heightened international scrutiny over access restrictions and political engagement in the West Bank.
