Ottawa to begin airlifting Canadians out of Israel in 'coming days,' minister says
CBC
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government will be airlifting Canadians out of Israel as the country's war with Hamas rages on.
Hamas militants launched attacks into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip over the weekend, killing hundreds and abducting dozens. Militants have continued to launch rockets from Gaza. In response, Israel has declared war on Hamas and has carried out a series of airstrikes in Gaza. An estimated 1,900 people have died on both sides.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Joly said military aircraft will begin evacuation flights from Tel Aviv "in the coming days." Flights will be available for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families.
The government is looking into other options to assist those who cannot reach the Tel Aviv airport, Joly said. More details are expected to be announced tomorrow.
The federal government is weighing plans to get Canadians out of the country by sea and land, sources told Radio-Canada earlier Tuesday. News of a possible airlift was first reported by The Toronto Star.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) said Tuesday that more than 3,200 Canadians in Israel and nearly 500 in Gaza and the West Bank have registered with the department.
The department also said it's aware of reports that one Canadian has died and three others have gone missing in the attacks. On Tuesday, Vancouver MP Taleeb Noormohamed said a man in his riding had been killed. GAC said it was aware of reports of a second death as well.
Canadian politicians from across the political spectrum gathered at solidarity rallies in support of Israel on Monday.
In Ottawa, both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre attended a rally in support of Israel.
"Canada unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms condemns these terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas. We stand with Israel and reaffirm our support for Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law," Trudeau said Monday night.
Trudeau said he was horrified by the Hamas attack on an outdoor concert and by reports of kidnappings and gun assaults targeting civilians. Hamas says it still has roughly 130 Israeli hostages.
"These acts are sickening and completely unimaginable. We demand the liberation of the hostages and urge that they are treated in conformity with international law," Trudeau said in a mix of English and French.
In Canadian cities, as in many other countries, rallies were held over the weekend expressing support for an independent Palestinian state. Some rally attendees disavowed Hamas, while others refused to condemn its actions.
Trudeau mentioned those rallies in his speech Monday.
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