Over 250 Canadians Await Evacuation as Ottawa Confirms 356 Have Already Left the War-Torn Region
Scores of Canadians remain stranded in the Gaza Strip, caught in the crossfire of an escalating conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The situation has grown more dire following the tragic demise of peace activist Vivian Silver, a dual Canadian-Israeli national, in a brutal Hamas attack last month.
Global Affairs Canada, in a statement released Monday, indicated ongoing efforts to evacuate more than 250 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their eligible family members from the war-torn Palestinian territory. As of now, 356 Canadians and their relatives have been successfully evacuated, with the latest group of 10 leaving on Monday.
The Canadian community, along with Israeli nationals, is mourning the loss of Vivian Silver, initially believed to have been taken hostage. Israeli officials confirmed late Monday that Silver was among the more than 1,200 people killed in Israel on October 7th during the Hamas-initiated onslaught.
In a decisive response, Israel has declared war against Hamas. The ensuing airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in thousands of casualties, leading to a stark declaration by the United Nations that no area within the territory is safe.
Compounding the crisis, intense fighting has erupted around Gaza’s largest hospital, forcing thousands to flee the medical facility amidst fears of being caught in the crossfire. The situation outside the hospital has become a focal point of the ongoing conflict, reflecting the deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.
As the Canadian government continues its efforts to evacuate its citizens, the situation on the ground remains precarious. The Canadian Embassy is providing consular assistance to those affected, urging Canadians in the region to stay informed and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
This ongoing conflict, marked by loss and displacement, continues to draw international attention and concern, as efforts intensify to bring peace and stability back to the region.
