A group of five Liberal Members of Parliament (MPs) and one New Democratic Party (NDP) MP are embarking on a three-day trip 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, emphasized the importance of international presence in calming tensions and promoting better behavior among local actors. The delegation plans to engage with civil society organizations, Palestinian refugees, and Canadian and Palestinian Authority officials, as well as hold discussions with Jordanian parliamentarians before entering Israel.
This visit follows Canada’s recent formal recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that drew criticism from Israel and other Western nations like France and the United Kingdom. Netanyahu condemned the recognition, asserting Israel’s opposition to the establishment of a “terror state.” In contrast, Canada and other countries have expressed reservations about Hamas’s involvement in governing a Palestinian state.
The sponsored trip, facilitated by the Canadian Muslim Vote, mirrors a previous visit by a mix of Liberal and NDP MPs in early 2024. The itinerary includes interactions with Palestinian families affected by settler violence and discussions on democratic reforms with Palestinian Authority representatives in the West Bank.
Amidst recent Israeli government approval for the construction of 764 new homes in West Bank settlements, the MPs aim to witness firsthand the challenges faced by Palestinians and advocate for peace. The delegation acknowledges potential hurdles in accessing certain areas, with a commitment to act collectively in case of any disruptions.
NDP MP Jenny Kwan, the sole representative from her party on the trip, seeks insights on immigration issues and plans to address loopholes in arms exports legislation. The MPs believe in the importance of bipartisan collaboration to address contentious issues like settlement expansion and human rights violations in the region.
Despite differing views within the Canadian political landscape, the delegation remains unified in advocating for peace, security, and human rights for all individuals in the region. The trip aligns with ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders and gather valuable perspectives for policy considerations.
The delegation comprises MPs Jenny Kwan, Sameer Zuberi, Iqra Khalid, Gurbux Saini, Fares Al Soud, and Aslam Rana, demonstrating cross-party engagement on critical international matters. While facing opposition to specific legislative proposals, the MPs remain committed to fostering dialogue and seeking solutions to complex challenges in the Middle East.
The delegation’s visit coincides with ongoing debates on arms exports, settlement expansion, and human rights violations in the region, underscoring the importance of international engagement and collaboration in addressing complex geopolitical issues.