Global Affairs Canada has learned of the death of a Canadian following the Hamas attack in Israel. Two other Canadians are currently missing.
Published at 5:28 p.m. Updated at 5:40 p.m
“Canadian government officials in Israel are in contact with local authorities to confirm this information and gather additional information,” Global Affairs Canada said by email.
There are currently 1,419 Canadians registered with the Registration Service for Canadians Abroad in the State of Israel and 492 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Since registration for this service is voluntary, “it does not provide a complete picture of Canadians abroad,” the ministry specifies.
All Canadian employees at the Canadian Embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv as well as the Canadian employees in Ramallah are safe and sound, the ministry confirmed.
Hamas launched a surprise offensive against Israel early Saturday morning. Thousands of rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip and dozens of fighters entered the area. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was now at war with Hamas and launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, vowing to impose an “unprecedented price.”
The Canadian government recommends avoiding all non-essential travel to Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The borders with Syria, Egypt and Lebanon should also be avoided.