Six Canadian MPs and roughly 30 delegates were denied entry at Allenby Bridge while attempting to enter the occupied West Bank for meetings and fact-finding. Israeli authorities allegedly classified the delegation as a 'public safety' or 'security' risk despite electronic travel authorisations, a claim organisers dispute. Canadian civil society groups condemned the move and are urging Ottawa to seek explanations and consider diplomatic measures. The incident unfolds amid heightened tensions over the Gaza war and moves by some Western governments toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Israel Blocks Canadian MPs and Delegation From Entering West Bank at Allenby Bridge
Israeli police stand guard at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge Crossing between Jordan and the occupied West Bank [File: Mahmoud Illean/AP Photo]
Israel refused entry to a delegation of six Canadian parliamentarians and about 30 accompanying delegates who were attempting to cross from Jordan into the occupied West Bank, Canadian civil society groups said. The delegation was seeking to meet Palestinian officials, human rights advocates and civil society groups for a fact-finding visit.
Organisers said the group, travelling on a trip organised by The Canadian-Muslim Vote, had received Israel Electronic Travel Authorisation permits before attempting the crossing but were held at the Allenby Bridge checkpoint for several hours and ultimately denied entry. Officials were reportedly told the delegation had been classified as a 'public safety' or 'security' risk.
Border Account and Official Statements
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) said six members of Canada’s Parliament — five from the governing Liberal Party and one from the New Democratic Party (NDP) — were turned back. NCCM CEO Stephen Brown described the decision as 'deeply troubling and extremely disappointing,' noting that electronic travel authorisations had been issued for all delegation members.
“Israeli authorities had issued electronic travel authorisations to all members of the delegation, yet lawful observers, including elected Canadian officials, were ultimately barred from entry as 'public safety threats',” the NCCM said.
The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) told Canadian media that the group arrived at Allenby Bridge 'without prior coordination' and that members were denied entry for 'security reasons.' Organisers dispute that claim and say they had notified Canadian authorities and had received travel clearances.
Voices From the Delegation
Fawad Kalsi, CEO of Penny Appeal Canada, who was among the delegates, said the group had been informed they were a security risk and stressed the visit was intended to be educational and fact-finding. NDP MP Jenny Kwan said Canada had informed Israeli authorities of the delegation in advance and rejected the notion that peaceful parliamentary observers posed any risk.
Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
Canadian civil society groups condemned the denial of entry and urged Ottawa to demand explanations. Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) called for diplomatic measures, including sanctions and the expulsion of Israel's ambassador. Global Affairs Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and Israeli ministries did not reply to requests from media outlets on the day of the incident.
Context
Israel controls entry points into the West Bank and has previously denied access to foreign nationals it regards as critical of its policies. The episode comes amid heightened tensions following Israel's military campaign in Gaza and a reported rise in violence and displacement in the West Bank. Some Western governments, including Canada and several European states, have in recent months moved toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, a development that has added diplomatic sensitivity to visits to the occupied territories.
What Comes Next
Organisers and Canadian lawmakers say they will press the Canadian government for answers about why elected officials and civil society representatives were barred. The incident is likely to increase scrutiny of travel restrictions at the Allenby Bridge crossing and intensify calls from advocacy groups for stronger diplomatic responses.
