Immigration Minister Marc Miller says 5,000 visas might be supplied to Palestinians who want to be a part of relations in Canada.
Canada has introduced a five-fold enhance in visas for Palestinians searching for to reunite with relations within the nation.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated Monday that Ottawa would enhance to five,000 the variety of visas supplied to Gaza residents beneath a particular program introduced in December.
“We stay deeply involved in regards to the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza. “Many individuals are involved about their family members and have expressed nice curiosity within the momentary particular measures we launched for his or her prolonged household in Gaza,” Miller stated in a press release.
Miller stated the federal government is working to assist Palestinians making an attempt to go away Gaza, however that it’s at the moment not doable to go away the territory as a consequence of elements outdoors of Ottawa’s management.
Gaza residents wishing to affix their household in Canada should get hold of approval from Israeli authorities to go away the territory, earlier than present process biometric screening in Egypt.
Earlier this month, the Israeli army took management of the Gaza aspect of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt as a part of its offensive on the southern metropolis.
“Though it’s at the moment not doable to go away Gaza, the scenario can change at any time. With this restrict enhance, we might be prepared to assist extra individuals because the scenario evolves. Our focus stays on holding households collectively,” Miller stated.
“Canada continues to current to native authorities the names of those that have handed a preliminary examine to make sure their departure from Gaza. “Israel and Egypt are necessary companions in implementing these momentary humanitarian measures and serving to individuals reunite with their households in Canada.”
The announcement got here as Canadian Overseas Minister Melanie Joly joined a refrain of worldwide condemnation following a lethal Israeli airstrike on a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah.
“This degree of human struggling should come to an finish. We demand a right away ceasefire,” Joly stated in a press release.
At the very least 45 individuals, together with 23 ladies, youngsters and the aged, had been killed and 249 others had been injured within the assault on the camp, based on the Gaza Ministry of Well being.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the civilian deaths had been a “tragic mistake” and that the incident is being investigated.