Royal Canadian Air Force flights will be organized “in the coming days” to evacuate Canadian nationals stuck in Israel, where two Canadians were killed and three are missing after the surprise Hamas attack.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as their spouses and children, can use flights from Tel Aviv Airport.
“I know the situation is difficult. Many of you want to come home to your family but have no way to do so safely. We will help you,” commented Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly in a short press release.
It was not immediately clear how many flights the military will conduct or when they will take place.
Minister Joly suggested that her team is working to find other solutions for Canadians who cannot travel to Tel Aviv Airport.
Two dead, three missing
In addition, Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that it is aware that two Canadians have been killed by Hamas and three are still missing.
Montrealer Alexandre Look and Vancouverite Ben Mizrachi were both shot dead by Hamas attackers at the Nova music festival site in southern Israel, near the border.
To date, 3,234 Canadians in Israel have registered for the registration service and 478 Canadians have done the same in the Palestinian territories.
“Global Affairs Canada has responded to 1,284 inquiries since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. Most inquiries focus on Canada’s travel advisories for Israel and Gaza, airport and flight status, overall security situation, and passport and immigration services as departure options,” it said.
Humanitarian aid
Additionally, the Trudeau government has indicated it will maintain humanitarian assistance in the West Bank and Gaza.
“We will continue to support civilians by providing them with vital humanitarian assistance while ensuring that no money ends up in the hands of Hamas,” Global Affairs Canada said.
Ottawa provides an average of $55 million per year in humanitarian and development assistance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.