In a recent statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly confirmed that 2 Canadians have lost their lives, and a third is presumed dead due to the ongoing conflict in Israel. 2 Canadians dead, 1 presumed dead in Israel The Canadian government has swiftly initiated a series of measures. It ensure the safety and support of its citizens caught up in the turmoil.
One significant step includes military flights arranged to evacuate Canadians in Israel to Athens. These evacuation efforts are set to commence in the coming week. Simultaneously, Canadian authorities are actively working on a plan to assist Canadians. They helping who find it challenging to leave Gaza and the West Bank, possibly through the involvement of neighboring Jordan.
Minister Joly emphasized her commitment to prevent further escalation of the conflict by utilizing diplomatic channels. In addition to the unfortunate loss of life, three other Canadians are reported missing in the region. Global Affairs Canada is closely monitoring the situation, providing support to their families, and maintaining contact with local authorities.
Minister Joly refrained from confirming whether any Canadians are among those taken hostage by Hamas. She expressed her concern for their safety, stating, “I will not confirm whether Canada has any hostages because I don’t want to increase the value and put their lives in danger.” Canadian hostage experts are being dispatched to Israel to lend their expertise in these critical situations.
Canadian government
While the Canadian government has been cautious about disclosing the names of the deceased Canadians, Minister Joly mentioned that she had spoken with the family of Alexandre Look, a Montreal resident who tragically lost his life. She conveyed the emotional difficulty of making such calls, stating, “My heart is with his family and the families of the others. My thoughts are with their loved ones and their community.”
The current situation unfolds following a recent attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel, which involved rocket fire, civilian casualties, and the taking of hostages. In response to these events, Israel declared war on Hamas and launched its own series of attacks. The situation escalated with Israel ordering a complete siege of Gaza. It is restricting the entry of essential supplies such as electricity, fuel, food, and water.
Questions have been raised regarding the promptness of the Canadian government’s response to the crisis. Also concerns about Canadians’ ability to reach Global Affairs staff and obtain information. Minister Joly addressed these concerns by explaining that it took time to assess the situation and make necessary arrangements, which were only finalized on Tuesday night. The government remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens amidst the ongoing conflict.
