Canada Says It Is 'Horrified' by Attack on Rafah; Increase in Visa Numbers for Palestinians

On Monday, Canada announced it will issue visas for 5,000 Palestinians residing in Gaza, significantly more than initially promised, stating it is 'horrified' by the Israeli airstrike on Rafah that resulted in the deaths of 45 people. Last December, Canada had pledged to issue temporary residence visas for 1,000 relatives of Canadian citizens living in Gaza under a special program, but this number has now been increased fivefold. Mark Miller, Canada's Minister of Immigration, stated, 'Although leaving Gaza is currently not possible, this situation could change at any time. With the increase in the number of visas, we are ready to assist more people if conditions change.' A spokesperson for Mr. Miller also reported that temporary residence visas have been issued for 448 residents of Gaza, of which 254 are unrelated to this special program, and 41 individuals have already arrived in Canada. Additionally, Mélanie Joly, Canada's Foreign Minister, stated in a statement, 'We are horrified by the attacks that resulted in the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Rafah' and added that Canada does not support Israel's military operations in Rafah. The Foreign Minister then echoed the words of world leaders calling for an end to Israel's military assault, saying, 'This level of human suffering must come to an end.' Canada has repeatedly supported calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, including at the United Nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the intention of the Israeli army in this attack on Rafah was not to inflict casualties on civilians but that they 'tragically made a mistake.' The Israeli army, which is seeking to destroy the extremist group Hamas, has promised to investigate the matter.