A Canadian delegation of parliamentarians and advocates recently returned from a fact-finding mission in the West Bank, gaining a better insight into the challenges faced by Palestinians living under occupation and the escalating tensions with Israelis as the war on Hamas entered its 100th day. The trip aimed to gather insights from people in the region on how Canada can contribute to advancing peace and security once the conflict in Gaza comes to an end.
The delegates, including five members of Parliament, met with Palestinian refugees, aid workers, Canadian consular officials, and Jewish peace activists during their six-day trip, which also took them to Jordan, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. They were moved by the concerns of Palestinian teenagers who long for a better future, especially in light of the ongoing violence and the impact it has had on education and basic necessities.
The delegation also experienced firsthand the challenges faced by Palestinians living under Israeli control, including delays at checkpoints and the heightened tension in the region. The trip was organized by Canadian Muslim Vote, with invitations extended to representatives of all political parties.
The delegation also met with families and friends of victims of Hamas attacks, including those who knew Vivian Silver, a peace activist from Winnipeg who was killed. These emotional conversations highlighted the deep pain and suffering prevalent in the region, as well as the calls from some Israeli voices for Canada to exert pressure on Israel to align with international law in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll, with thousands of Palestinians killed and injured, and vital infrastructure destroyed. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine and the risk of starvation and disease among the 2 million people in Gaza.
The delegation’s visit to Al Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem underscored the frustration felt by medical staff who are unable to provide help to Palestinians trapped in the war zone. They shared stories of their efforts to save premature babies in Gaza, highlighting the challenges and restrictions imposed by the Israeli government.
While the trip revealed the severe challenges faced by Palestinians, it also brought forth glimpses of hope, such as the impact of Canadian-trained doctors who are making a difference in the lives of Palestinians. The delegates return to Canada with a strengthened resolve to continue advocating for a ceasefire and to work towards a path to sustainable peace in the region.
Historically, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been characterized by decades of territorial disputes, political tensions, and violence, making the prospects for a lasting peace a challenging and complex endeavor. The recent delegation’s experiences underscore the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and the need for concerted international efforts to bring an end to the conflict and ensure the well-being of all those affected.
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