Canada prepares to evacuate its citizens from Israel

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said the federal government plans to help Canadians leave the Israeli-Palestinian military conflict zone "in the coming days." Almost immediately after Hamas invaded Israel, Air Canada suspended air service between Tel Aviv and Canadian airports. Meanwhile, some 4,000 Canadians are already registered in the conflict zone at this point.

When and how?

Canadian military aircraft will be used to remove the civilians, but exactly when this will take place is not yet known. Anyone wishing to return to Canada and who is in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip is asked to contact Canada's Ministry of Foreign Affairs at (+1) 613-996-8885, or by e-mail sos@international.gc.ca.

Evacuation information will not be communicated publicly, but directly to those who apply, presumably for security reasons. About 90 Canadian military personnel from the territory of conflict will be utilized to remove Canadian citizens, residents and their families.

Victims

So far, the Canadian side has officially confirmed the deaths of two citizens: one from Quebec and the other from British Columbia. In the morning, Joly reported the deaths of three Canadians at a press conference in Ottawa, but her aide clarified that only two are known for sure — the third is being investigated right now.

By the time the news was published, journalists had already confirmed and verified the identity of the third victim, she was a woman from Ottawa. The Canadian authorities have not yet had time to speak on the matter.

In addition, at least three Canadians are additionally known to be missing.

In just 5 days of war, at least 1,200 people — military and civilian — were killed on the Israeli side. 3,000 wounded are reported. The Palestinian side reports 950 deaths from retaliatory attacks in the Gaza Strip. More than 5,000 are wounded.

Canadians' reaction

In Canada itself, there have been a series of rallies and protests, both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian, since the start of Saturday's invasion. Police in some cities and provinces went on high alert and posted extra patrols outside Israeli consulates. Most of the actions, however, have been peaceful and related to mourning for the victims — on both sides.

Most Canadian officials, including its prime minister, Justin Trudeau, have unequivocally expressed support for Israel. Individual officials have articulated their position much more cautiously — and faced criticism for doing so.

So Assemblywoman Sarah Jama of the New Democratic Party has publicly stated the following:

"I call for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation. We must look to the solution to this endless cycle of death and destruction: end all occupation of Palestinian land and end apartheid."

In response, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles harshly criticized her colleague, insisting that Jama was expressing a personal opinion and not that of the entire party. According to Stiles, it is unacceptable today to speak out about the conflict with sympathy for the Palestinian side and without explicitly condemning Hamas' actions.

Liberal and mayor of Edmonton (Alberta) Amarjeet Sohi has faced criticism. The reason is the same — sympathy for all victims on both sides of the conflict and the lack of an articulated political position:

"The attacks taking place in Israel and Gaza targeting innocent civilians are horrific. I know that many Edmontonians have friends and family in these areas, and I am extending my support and empathy to them. We stand with you and share in your hope for a just and lasting peace in the region."

However, Sohi was no longer criticized by his party colleagues, but by social media users.

The UN Commission of Inquiry on the region earlier said it was collecting and preserving evidence of war crimes allegedly committed by both Hamas and Israeli forces after Saturday's Hamas attack.