In a move aimed at addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Canada has declared a five-fold surge in visas for Palestinians seeking refuge with their families in the country.
Despite the challenging circumstances hindering their immediate departure from the war-torn enclave, Immigration Minister Marc Miller affirmed the Canadian government's commitment to facilitating reunions for affected families.
The decision, announced on Monday, expands the visa allocation to 5,000 for Gaza residents under a specialized program introduced in December. Minister Miller expressed heartfelt concern for the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, acknowledging the deep anguish experienced by families separated by the conflict.
However, navigating the path out of Gaza remains fraught with obstacles, primarily due to external factors beyond Ottawa's control. Palestinians hoping to join their loved ones in Canada must first obtain permission from Israeli authorities to depart the territory, followed by stringent biometric screening procedures in Egypt.
The recent escalation in violence further complicates matters, with Israel tightening its grip on the Rafah border crossing, a pivotal route for Gazans seeking passage to Egypt. Despite these challenges, Minister Miller assured that Canada stands ready to assist more individuals as the situation evolves, emphasizing the paramount importance of keeping families united.
Yet, criticisms have emerged regarding the effectiveness of the Canadian visa program, particularly its inability to facilitate the safe passage of Palestinians out of Gaza. This has sparked frustration and dismay among families desperately seeking refuge amidst the ongoing hostilities.
Debbie Rachlis, a Toronto-based immigration and refugee lawyer, lamented the ordeal faced by applicants, describing the situation as "a disaster" and unprecedented in its complexity.
The announcement coincides with international outcry over a deadly Israeli airstrike targeting a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly condemned the attack, urging an immediate ceasefire to halt the escalating human suffering.
The assault on the tent camp resulted in the tragic loss of at least 45 lives, including innocent women, children, and the elderly, with hundreds more injured, as confirmed by Gaza's Ministry of Health. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the civilian casualties as a "tragic mistake," pledging an investigation into the incident.
