Rafah campaign closes off exit routes
The conflict in Rafah, escalated by an Israeli military campaign, has significantly hindered the movement of Gazans seeking refuge. Despite a ceasefire agreement proposed by Egypt and Qatar, Israel has continued its operations in the area, rejecting the deal over unacceptable terms. This incursion has shut down the primary exit point at Rafah, affecting the lives of over a million Gazans who have sought shelter there from the ongoing war. Hazim Almasri, a resident of Kitchener, Ontario, has expressed his concern and sorrow as his attempts to bring his family to safety in Canada are stalled by these developments.
Canadian immigration efforts and challengese
In January, the Canadian government introduced the Special Measures for Extended Families of Palestinian Canadians in Gaza, aiming to facilitate temporary relocation for those caught in the conflict. This program, however, depends heavily on the cooperation of both Israeli and Egyptian authorities to approve individuals for travel through Rafah - a hurdle that has proven insurmountable so far. Despite submitting multiple lists of approved candidates, all have been rejected, with the reasons for this remaining undisclosed. This has left many, like Hazim's brother Nael, in a precarious position, still trapped in Gaza and losing hope of escape.
Personal impact and political response
The situation has a deep personal impact on the families involved. Nael Almasri, meeting with a journalist in Deir El Balah, shared the terror of living under constant threat, his family having narrowly survived a bombing. Meanwhile, political figures like Mike Morris, a Green Party member of Parliament, have criticized the inefficacy of the program and urged continued diplomatic efforts to improve the situation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has also expressed concern for the Gazans’ plight and discouraged the use of people - smuggling services, though they acknowledge the desperation that leads some to resort to such measures.
As of late April, while 179 people have been approved to come to Canada, none have been able to leave Gaza through official channels due to the ongoing conflict and diplomatic challenges. The Canadian government remains committed to assisting these individuals, but the road to safety remains fraught with obstacles and uncertainty. Families like the Almasris continue to hold onto hope, despite the dire circumstances that hamper their journey to a safer life.
Source: CBC