'We will help you': Trudeau government will repatriate Canadians from Tel Aviv

Ottawa plans to evacuate Canadian citizens, permanent residents, their spouses and children by air in the “coming days.”

Minister Joly says Ottawa is also “working on additional options for those who cannot travel to Tel Aviv Airport,” according to a message published on X.

Canadians wishing to participate in the Canadian Armed Forces-assisted exit must register with Global Affairs Canada by calling 613-996-885 or emailing sos@international.gc.ca. “This allows us to share information directly with you,” explained Minister Joly.

The message did not mention the Gaza Strip, where some Canadians are reportedly stranded due to Israel's closure of Hamas-controlled territory.

Meanwhile, Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion International Airport remains open, but travelers are advised to contact airlines or travel agents due to limited space, the ministry said.

According to Global Affairs Canada, a total of 3,234 Canadians are registered with the Registration Service for Canadians Abroad in Israel and 478 Canadians are registered in the Palestinian territories.

In addition, the ministry has responded to more than 1,200 requests for information since the conflict began on Saturday.

Canada responded in this way, while other foreign embassies in Tel Aviv were already active on Tuesday to bring their nationals home. The Spanish Embassy told Noovo Info that it has chartered two planes at its own expense to repatriate its nationals who want to leave Israel or Palestine.

SEE ALSO | Israel-Hamas War: International embassies attempt to repatriate their nationals

Regarding the armed conflict itself, Minister Joly said on Tuesday that she was in contact with her counterparts in the region as the fallout from Hamas' surprise attacks on Israel on Saturday threatens to affect several countries.

Experts say Canada has limited ability to use diplomatic channels to prevent clashes in Israel and the Palestinian territories from escalating into a larger regional war.

With information from The Canadian Press.

Tyrone Hodgson

Incurable food practitioner. Tv lover. Award-winning social media maven. Internet guru. Travel aficionado.

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