Palestinians in the GTA appeal to federal government to help loved ones flee Gaza

A group of Palestinians living in the GTA are appealing to the federal government to bring family membersliving in Gaza to Canada faster than standard immigration policies allow.

Milton local and permanent resident Abdallah Alhamadnisays they'rehopingImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will create a humanitarian pathway for Palestinians fleeing fromthe Israel-Hamas war,similar to those implemented for people escaping violence in places like Syria and Ukraine.

"I have a great hope, it's not impossible to do that," said Alhamadni, adding Canada has a reputation for helping peoplearound the world find safe haven in the country during times of crises.

"We would like to be treated the same."

Israel's siegeof Gaza, launched after the Oct. 7 cross-border attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants, has left the enclave's 2.3 million people running out of food, water, medicineand fuel.

Humanitarian aid was let into southern Gaza for the first time on SaturdayafterIsrael's military pounded northern Gaza and warned it would increase its attacks following thesurprise infiltration of its bordersbyHamas militants. A second convoywas headed to Gaza on Sunday.

An expectedgroundoffensive is likely to lead to a dramatic escalation in casualties on both sides in urban fighting. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed in the war mostly civilians slain during the Hamas incursion according to the Israeli government. The Israeli military on Saturday said at least 307 of its soldiershave been killed since Oct. 7.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said Saturday that the death toll in the enclave has reached 4,385, while 13,561 people have been wounded.

Brantford, Ont., local and permanent resident Ahmad Abualjediansays his wifewho's expected to deliver his daughter and first childsometime Sundayis still in Gazaalong with his sisters and brothers.

He says he's already lost family members due to violenceand is worriedabout losing more, on top ofthe stress he feels knowinghiswife has to deliver in such dire circumstances.

"People just live there, they have nothing to do with anything," saidAbualjedian.

"I lost my sister. Should I lose more to convince ... humanity to help us?"

In a statement on Monday, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it is working closely with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the Department of National Defence, and others to help with the "assisted departure" of Canadians from Tel Aviv, which began on Oct. 12, 2023, and from the West Bank, which began on Oct. 16, 2023.

The IRCC said, in partnership withGlobal Affairs Canada, it is identifying Canadian citizens and permanent residents, their spouses and children, in the region to provide them with information and support they need.

"We continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with our partners and will tailor our response to meet the unique needs of those who require our support," the statement reads.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hasstated that CanadasupportsIsrael's right to self-defence while addingthat international law mustbe upheld in Gaza.More than 30 MPs 23 of them Liberals have written a letter to Trudeau calling on him to advocate for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The last time the government publicly announced committingfunds toward helping Palestinian refugees was in June. Global Affairs Canada announced funding of up to $100 million over four years for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and an additional $3 million to theEmergency Appeal for the West Bank and Gaza.

Government has already set precedent: immigration lawyer

Immigration lawyerMaureen Silcoffsays policies that can helpPalestinians come to Canada faster than usual issomething the government has allowed in the past for other groups.

"We've seen numerous public policies that are being created for Ukraine, for Afghanistan, for Sudan, for Hong Kong, for a whole host of situations," said Silcoff. "It's a matter of the minister deciding what would be appropriate in the circumstances."

WATCH | N.B. woman speaks about family in Gaza, including six-month pregnant sister:

Canadian describes trying to reach pregnant sister in Gaza

12 months ago

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Rola Baker, who lives in Moncton, N.B., had several brothers and sisters in Gaza when Israel imposed its complete siege of the territory including a sister who was six months pregnant when the violence escalated.

It could also look at extending visas and permits for Palestinians already here, waiving processing fees or expediting existing applicationsin the system from loved ones with relatives wholive in Canada, she said.

"It would be keeping in keeping with past policies of the government, passed actions of the government."

Alhamadnisays his family is bracing for bad news at every passing moment. If something were to happen to relatives overseas, he would feel "guilty" and that he "failed to protect them."

"We can't continue our life, and we feel we are like broken into two parts," saidAlhamadni.

"We're trying to raise our voice."