Delegates reported 'rough treatment' by Israeli troops after their travel authorizations were unilaterally revoked
Israeli authorities blocked a Canadian delegation that included six members of parliament from entering the occupied West Bank on 16 December, citing alleged “security concerns” and links to an organization Israel designates as a terror group.
The private delegation, made up of around 30 Canadians – including six Members of Parliament from the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party – arrived at the Allenby border crossing between Jordan and the occupied West Bank after receiving electronic travel authorizations.
The permits were then revoked on the day of arrival, according to members of the group, and the entire delegation was denied entry following hours of questioning.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the decision was based on what it described as connections between the trip’s organizers, the Canadian-Muslim Vote, and Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), an international charity Israel banned from operating in the occupied West Bank in 2014.
Canadian officials and lawmakers also reported ill treatment at the crossing. Liberal MP Iqra Khalid said she was shoved several times by Israeli border officials while trying to check on another delegate, adding that officers were aware of her parliamentary status after taking her special passport. (more...)
Canadian MPs barred from entering West Bank by Israel over alleged 'terror links'
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