Canadians still not cleared to leave Gaza, Blair says movement likely in coming days

Defence Minister Bill Blair says he thinks Canadians will be allowed to leave the Gaza Strip in 'the coming days,' but shared no specific timeline this morning as Canadians faced another day of being left off the list.

Canadians could be allowed to leave the Gaza Strip in "the coming days," Defence Minister Bill Blair said Friday, but shared no firm timeline as Canadians faced another day of being left off the list.

Groups of people, including foreign nationals from several other countries, have been allowed to exit the Palestinian territory through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the last two days.

But Canadians have so far been excluded from the lists of those approved to depart, including the third one issued on Friday.

There are more than 450 Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their family members who want to leave Gaza, which has been under siege and regular bombardment by Israel for more than three weeks.

Blair told reporters in Ottawa on Friday there is "no specific impediment" to getting those people out. He said the Canadian government is working closely with Israel, Egypt, the United States and the United Kingdom.

He also says Canadian consular officials will be ready to help people as soon as they cross into Egypt.

Global Affairs Canada has not explained why Canadians have not made the list so far.