Sawsan Karashuli, alongside her son Marcus, found themselves entangled in a heartbreaking dilemma as they navigated the intricate process of securing emergency visas for her ailing brother, Ismail Qarsholi, and niece, Lina Qarsholi, residing in Gaza.
Tragically, their efforts were met with despair when Ismail passed away on March 5, following a grueling two-month wait since Sawsan’s initial visa application submission.
Expressing profound grief, Marcus Karashuli shared with As It Happens host Nil Köksal the emotional journey of preparing for Ismail and Lina’s arrival, only to face a devastating outcome that rendered their preparations futile.
The circumstances surrounding Ismail’s death in northern Gaza, where essential medical facilities are scarce due to ongoing conflict, remain ambiguous. However, his family suspects that his demise resulted from prolonged starvation in the besieged region.
Earlier this year, the Canadian government introduced a temporary visa initiative targeting 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza with familial ties in Canada. Despite the program’s launch, concerns arose from Palestinian Canadians and legal experts regarding the cumbersome and impractical prerequisites imposed on Gaza residents under constant threat of violence.
Detailing the arduous visa application process, Marcus emphasized the challenges faced by applicants, reflecting on the intricate hurdles obstructing their journey to safety and reunification with their Canadian relatives.
As per the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on March 11, nearly 986 applications have entered the processing phase. Nevertheless, the ordeal persists for visa hopefuls stranded in Gaza, with only a handful managing to secure passage via Israel or Egypt for mandatory biometrics assessments.
Acknowledging the program’s shortcomings, Immigration Minister Marc Miller conceded to its failings, underscoring the urgent need for collaboration with Egypt and Israel to facilitate the safe passage of visa applicants for expedited security screenings and visa issuance.
In a plea to the Canadian government, Marcus urged for enhanced coordination with local authorities to streamline the evacuation process for individuals trapped in Gaza, highlighting the imperative of humanitarian intervention to prevent further tragedies.
Amidst the turmoil and bureaucratic impasse, Marcus expressed disbelief at the inefficacy of international efforts in safeguarding human lives, questioning the unyielding barriers hindering urgent humanitarian aid and family reunification in a modern-day crisis that defies comprehension.
