### Tensions Rise as Canadian MPs Denied Entry to West Bank by Israeli Authorities A delegation of approximately 30 Canadians, including six Members of Parliament (MPs), was denied entry into the West Bank by Israeli authorities on December 16, 2025. The group was attempting to cross the Allenby border from Jordan when they were stopped, detained for hours, and ultimately turned away. The Israeli government cited security concerns and alleged links between the delegation's sponsor, Islamic Relief Worldwide, and terrorism as the reasons for the denial of entry. This incident has sparked significant political backlash in Canada, with calls for accountability from the Israeli government and a demand for explanations from Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-anand- israel-ambassador-mps-west-bank-border-post]. ### Overview of the Incident and Reactions 1. **Denial of Entry**: The Canadian delegation, which included six MPs, was barred from entering the West Bank, with Israeli officials claiming the group posed a public safety threat due to alleged ties to a designated terrorist organization [https://www.apnews.com/article/israel-canada-delegation-west-bank-ba0f39adc9da4e070cfc203879e315c4]. 2. **Political Response**: Following the incident, MPs Iqra Khalid and others have urged Minister Anand to seek answers from Israel regarding the treatment of their delegation, particularly highlighting the physical mistreatment reported by Khalid during the border crossing [https://www.sootoday.com/national-news/mps-ask-anand-to-get-answers-from-israel-after-west-bank-delegation-denied-11648217]. 3. **Official Statements**: Minister Anand has publicly expressed concerns over the treatment of the Canadian delegation and has indicated that Canada has raised objections with Israeli authorities [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canadian-mps-denied-entry-west-bank-israel]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Delegation Composition**: The group consisted of 30 Canadians, including six MPs, who were part of a fact-finding mission aimed at understanding the situation in the West Bank [https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-canada-9.7017424]. - **Israeli Justifications**: The Israeli government cited security concerns and alleged connections to Islamic Relief Worldwide, which it designates as a terrorist organization, as the basis for denying entry [https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/12/17/israel-blocks-canadian-mps-allenby-bridge-terror-funding-claims]. - **Witness Accounts**: Reports from witnesses indicated that MP Iqra Khalid was physically pushed by Israeli border officials during the incident, raising concerns about the treatment of the delegation [https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/12/19/mps-ask-anand-to-get-answers-from-israel-after-west-bank-delegation-blocked]. ### Conclusion and Implications The denial of entry to the Canadian delegation by Israeli authorities has raised significant diplomatic tensions between Canada and Israel. 1. **Political Fallout**: The incident has prompted calls for accountability and transparency from the Israeli government, with Canadian MPs demanding explanations for the treatment of their colleagues. 2. **International Relations**: This event may strain Canada-Israel relations, particularly as Canada seeks to uphold its commitment to human rights and diplomatic engagement in the region. 3. **Future Actions**: The Canadian government, led by Minister Anand, is expected to pursue further dialogue with Israeli officials to address these concerns and ensure the safety and rights of Canadian representatives abroad [https://www.myjoyonline.com/six-canadian-mps-denied-entry-by-israel-to-occupied-west-bank]. This situation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy, especially in regions marked by conflict and differing narratives.