The Canadian government announced temporary visas for Palestinian citizens, and the government explained that it would grant 5,000 residence visas, under a special program for African Canadians.
This step is preparatory
The Canadian government explained that this step is preparatory in the event that they are able to leave in the future, as confirmed by the Ministry of Immigration in Canada in an official statement.
Temporary residency visa for Palestinians
The Ministry of Immigration said that this number represents an increase from the 1,000 temporary resident visas allocated within the framework of a special program for Gaza announced in December, and the Ministry confirmed that many people have shown interest.
For his part, Canadian Immigration Minister Mark Miller confirmed that while exiting Gaza is not currently possible, the situation may change at any time.
Helping more people as the situation evolves
The Canadian Immigration Minister stressed that with this increase in the maximum limit, we will be ready to help more people as the situation develops.
It is worth noting that Canadian Immigration Minister Mark Miller had previously confirmed that leaving Gaza at the present time is considered very difficult and depends on Israel’s approval.
Canada will share the names of the residents of Palestine
The Canadian Minister of Immigration said that Canada will share the names of Gaza residents who passed the initial examination with the local authorities to secure their exit.
For his part, Miller's spokesman confirmed that some Gazans had arrived in Canada as part of the program, but an accurate estimate was not available.
Canada confirms that we will recognize the Palestinian state at the appropriate time
Though at the suitable moment, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted that his nation is ready to acknowledge the Palestinian state.
Trudeau was discussing this delicate topic in his response to a question from New Democratic Party MP Heather Macpherson, according Radio Canada on Thursday following the three European nations of Spain, Ireland, and Norway deciding to acknowledge the State of Palestine.
Objection to the Netanyahu government
Trudeau stated, according to the radio, "We can object to the efforts of the Netanyahu government aimed at rejecting the two-state solution, while Hamas still controls Gaza and refuses to hand over its weapons or free the Israeli captivity."
The radio said that on May 10 the federal government declared its preparedness for a dramatic modification in its Middle Eastern foreign policy. It indicated it would be ready to acknowledge the creation of a Palestinian state unilaterally, that is, without Israel's permission, should the Palestinian government exhibit excellent administration.
140 recognizes the State of Palestine
With East Jerusalem as its capital, more than 140 nations out of 193 United Nations members acknowledge the State of Palestine on the 1967 lines thus far.
Many analysts agree that although the problem of recognition is symbolic, it is politically charged and prepares one Palestinian and the other Israeli for a two-state settlement.
Opposition parties in Canada
The only opposition party in Canada that specifically asks the government to acknowledge the State of Palestine immediately and progress towards a two-state settlement is the New Democratic Party.
On the opposite side of the political arena, the Conservative Party of Canada feels that such acknowledgement ought not to occur amid the continuous conflict in the Gaza Strip.