Canada has made a significant announcement regarding its support for Gazans in the wake of a tragic Israeli airstrike in Rafah. The Canadian government stated on Monday that it will issue visas to 5,000 Gazans, a substantial increase from the initial pledge. This decision comes after a devastating airstrike in Rafah resulted in a blaze that claimed the lives of 45 individuals.
The visas will be granted to relatives of Canadians living in Gaza, marking a five-fold increase from the previous allocation of 1,000 temporary resident visas under a special program introduced in December. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of being prepared to assist more people as the situation in Gaza continues to evolve.
In response to the airstrike in Rafah, which sparked global outrage, including from Canada, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed horror at the civilian casualties and called for an immediate ceasefire. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the strike was not intended to harm civilians and pledged to investigate the incident.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life, with nearly 36,000 Palestinians killed and over 1.7 million people displaced. The international community, including Canada, has been vocal in calling for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, Canada’s decision to increase visa issuance demonstrates its commitment to supporting those affected by the conflict and providing assistance to those in need. The government’s actions reflect a stance of compassion and solidarity with the people of Gaza during this challenging time.