Israa Al Saafin, a Community Representative at the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), provided comments in reaction to the recently revealed temporary visa measures for individuals residing in Gaza with family ties in Canada. She spoke during a press conference held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The event was documented by Spencer Colby of The Canadian Press.
A Canadian citizen, Mahmoud Kouta, hailing from London, Ontario, finds himself in dire straits as the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies in Gaza. Trapped in the war-torn region since the outbreak of the current hostilities, Kouta shared his harrowing experience with CBC News.
The ongoing air and ground conflict stems from Hamas's brutal attack on Israeli civilians on October 7. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports a staggering toll, with nearly 20,000 Palestinians dead, 1.9 million displaced, and extensive destruction in northern Gaza.
Kouta, residing in northern Gaza, fled with his wife and 18-month-old daughter to Rafah after their house was bombed. However, even in the southern town, deemed a safer zone by Israeli officials, constant bombardments persist.
In a heart-wrenching plea, Kouta described the perilous routine of seeking essentials. "Nowhere is safe," he lamented, expressing the anguish of living with the constant threat of death, especially for his young daughter.
While some Canadians and permanent residents managed to escape through the Rafah crossing last month, the evacuations have slowed down. Against this backdrop, Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller unveiled temporary measures to aid family members of Canadians stuck in Gaza.
The announced measures grant temporary residency to extended family members—spouses, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, or grandparents—who wish to flee the conflict zone. Miller emphasized the expanded definition to include a broader set of people closely linked to Canadians.
Acknowledging the dire humanitarian crisis, Miller underscored the government's commitment to efforts, despite no assurances on successful evacuations. He highlighted the extensive vetting process on the ground.
In addition to aiding those still in Gaza, the measures also cater to immediate family members of citizens or permanent residents who left Gaza or Israel after October 7, allowing them to temporarily apply for study or work permits in Canada.
Kouta, who unsuccessfully attempted to cross into Egypt with his family, expressed desperation for a safe return to Canada. Despite seeking answers from Canadian officials, he remains unaware of the reasons behind his inability to leave.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) welcomed the measures, albeit expressing that they come too late for some families. Israa Al Saafin, an NCCM representative, lost her brother in Gaza and hopes her father, nephew, and sister-in-law can now find safety.
While the government's announcement was met with approval, NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan deemed it "long overdue." She emphasized the daily distress experienced by many Canadians with family members trapped in Gaza.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed concerns about the delayed response, citing the challenging situation and the ongoing efforts to evacuate Canadians. Trudeau stressed the government's commitment to additional measures and emphasized the need for a long-term focus on a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region.
