In a recent development, the Trudeau-led Liberal government in Canada has announced a five-fold increase in the number of temporary resident visas to be issued to individuals in Gaza who have family ties in Canada.
The number of visas has been raised from the initial 1,000 announced in December to a total of 5,000, in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged region.
Marc Miller, the Immigration Minister, expressed in a statement, "Many people are worried about their loved ones and have expressed significant interest in the temporary special measures we introduced for their extended family in Gaza." He further explained the government's decision to increase the visa applications, stating, "That is why, as part of our humanitarian response, we have increased the number of temporary resident visa applications that will be accepted into processing as part of these measures from 1,000 to 5,000."
Miller acknowledged the current impossibility of movement out of Gaza but emphasized that the situation could change at any moment. He reiterated the government's commitment to family reunification, saying, "our focus remains on keeping families together."
The Immigration Minister also highlighted the role of Israel and Egypt in implementing these temporary humanitarian measures. He said, "Canada continues to put forward the names of those who have passed preliminary screening to local authorities to secure their exit from Gaza. Israel and Egypt are both important partners in implementing these temporary, humanitarian measures and helping people reunite with their family in Canada."
The visa applicants will undergo a rigorous multi-stage vetting process, including biometric, security, and admissibility screenings in a third country. Matthew Krupovich, an immigration department spokesperson, clarified to the National Post, "Only applicants who pass full biometric, security, and admissibility screening will be allowed to travel onward to Canada."
As of Monday, 448 Gazans had been offered temporary resident visas, with 254 of these being outside the special visa program. So far, 41 individuals from Gaza have arrived in Canada.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, Israel launched an offensive in Rafah to eliminate Hamas terrorists. The border crossing between Gaza and Israel, which Egypt has kept closed to refugees, is located in this area. The US has been attempting to negotiate with Egypt to open the crossing for humanitarian aid. However, Arab neighbors in the region have shown reluctance to accept large numbers of Palestinian refugees.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed her horror at the airstrikes, particularly one that ignited a fire in a camp. She said, "This level of human suffering must come to an end. We demand an immediate ceasefire."
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