Israeli authorities have blocked a Canadian delegation, including sitting Members of Parliament, from entering the West Bank, a move that has drawn concern in Ottawa and raised fresh questions about access, diplomacy, and freedom of movement in the occupied Palestinian territories.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the delegation had planned meetings with Palestinian officials, civil society groups, and humanitarian organizations to assess conditions on the ground and discuss regional developments. The visit was intended to be part of a fact-finding and dialogue-focused mission, but Israeli authorities denied entry permissions, citing security and policy considerations.
Canadian MPs affected by the decision said they were informed at short notice that they would not be allowed to proceed into the West Bank. Some members of the delegation described the move as unprecedented and troubling, arguing that elected officials should be able to observe conditions firsthand and engage with all sides of the conflict.
Ottawa has acknowledged the incident, with government sources saying Canada has sought clarification from Israeli officials. While stopping short of immediate retaliation, Canadian representatives emphasized the importance of diplomatic access and open engagement, particularly at a time when the humanitarian and political situation in the region remains highly volatile.
Israeli officials have not publicly detailed the specific reasons for blocking the delegation but have previously restricted access to individuals or groups they believe may be critical of Israeli policies or supportive of Palestinian political causes. The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the West Bank, including increased military operations, settler violence, and international scrutiny.
Human rights organizations say the incident reflects a broader pattern of limiting international observation in the territories. They argue that restricting access undermines transparency and hampers efforts to independently assess conditions faced by Palestinian communities.
The episode is likely to add strain to Canada–Israel relations, which have already been tested by disagreements over Gaza, settlement expansion, and humanitarian access. Canadian lawmakers across party lines are now calling for a clearer explanation and assurances that future parliamentary delegations will not face similar restrictions.
As diplomatic discussions continue, the incident underscores the challenges foreign governments face when seeking direct engagement in one of the world’s most sensitive and closely watched conflict zones.