Canada Increases Visas for Gazans Amid Rafah Crisis

Overview

• Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a five-fold increase in temporary visas for Gazans, from 1,000 to 5,000.
• The expanded visa program aims to reunite Palestinian families in Canada, though movement out of Gaza remains challenging.
• Recent Israeli airstrikes in Rafah have killed 45 people, sparking global condemnation and calls for a ceasefire.
• Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed horror at the strikes and reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire.
• The visa program requires cooperation from Israel and Egypt, and includes extensive security and biometric screenings.