(Ottawa) Evacuation flights from Tel Aviv will be offered in the coming days to free Canadians stuck in the region, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced.
Published at 6:22 p.m. Updated at 6:50 p.m.
“We plan to begin the assisted departure of Canadians from Tel Aviv in the coming days with the help of Canadian Forces aircraft,” the head of diplomacy wrote on the X network early Tuesday evening.
These flights would be offered to Canadian citizens and residents and their immediate families, she noted. And the government on “additional options” for those who could not travel to the Israeli capital, Minister Joly concluded.
The violence would have claimed two Canadian victims if we include Ben Mizrachi, a 22-year-old man whose death was announced by relatives. He would join Alexandre Look, a 33-year-old Montrealer. The two men were attending an open-air concert in southern Israel when Hamas attacked.
Three Canadians are still missing. Global Affairs refuses to specify whether these people were taken hostage by the terrorist group, saying such speculation “could increase their perceived value, prolonging the ordeal and putting their lives in danger.”
According to the ministry’s latest report, there are currently 3,234 Canadians registered in the Registration Service for Canadians Abroad in Israel, while 478 Canadians are registered in the Register for the Palestinian Territories.
Global Affairs recommends that Canadians who are in or near the affected area limit their travel, follow the guidance of local authorities and remain sheltered until it is safe to leave the area.
“Canada stands with Israel and fully supports its legitimacy to defend itself in accordance with international law. “Canada also calls for the immediate release of the hostages and demands that they be treated in accordance with international law,” it reiterated.