The compact hospital room in Yatta, a Palestinian city in the West Bank under occupation, is crowded with visitors offering silent support to Khader Nawaj’ah. He lies in pain, his face swollen and hand injured, alongside his wife, Fatima, who also bears the marks of the recent attack. The couple was assaulted by Israeli settlers while sleeping outside their home in the village of Khirbet Susiya to escape the intense heat.
Khader recounted the harrowing experience of waking up to the settlers surrounding them, pelting them with large stones and beating them with sticks. This incident is part of a series of violent attacks by settlers treated at the hospital, as confirmed by Dr. Tareq Abu Aram.
The Canadian government has taken action against individuals and entities involved in extremist settler violence in the West Bank since May 2024. The ongoing violence is seen as a threat to Palestinian rights, the two-state solution, and regional stability.
Despite these sanctions, investigations reveal that tax-deductible donations from Canadians are still flowing to groups supporting West Bank settlements, exacerbating the plight of Palestinians like the Nawaj’ahs. Nasser Nawaj’ah, a relative and human rights researcher, emphasizes the need for Canada to align with international law and stop funding organizations that contradict its policies.
Critics argue that the mere presence of settlers in the West Bank legitimizes violence and poses a constant threat to Palestinian communities. The issue extends to Canadian charities inadvertently supporting Israeli military activities and settlement expansion, contrary to charity regulations and public policy.
The controversy surrounding these donations has led to charity status revocations and public complaints against organizations like Mizrachi Canada and the Canadian Zionist Cultural Association. Activists question the legality and morality of funding entities involved in the occupation and military operations in the West Bank.
Despite these concerns, the Canada Revenue Agency’s responses suggest adherence to existing laws and regulations. However, critics stress the need for stricter oversight to prevent Canadian donations from inadvertently fueling conflicts and human rights violations in the region.
The situation in Khirbet Susiya reflects the broader challenges faced by Palestinian communities in the West Bank, where settler violence, land disputes, and the looming threat of home demolitions persist without sufficient accountability or justice for the victims. The need for international scrutiny and intervention remains crucial to addressing the ongoing crisis and protecting the rights of all parties involved.
