Canadians are stuck in the Gaza Strip
Some foreign nationals were able to leave for Egypt today.
Four weeks after the sharp escalation of the Arab-Israeli conflict, Egyptian authorities have decided to open their border to some civilians evacuating from the Gaza Strip. They included foreigners and dual citizenship holders — a total of at least 7,000 dual passport holders in Gaza. Hundreds of Canadians remain in the conflict territory.
On Wednesday November 1, the first group of 335 foreign passport holders and 76 seriously injured Palestinians crossed the border into Egypt. One Canadian citizen is rumored to have managed to evacuate as part of the group, but his details are being withheld for privacy reasons.
On Thursday November 2, Egyptian border officials let people through according to pre-arranged lists. Canadian authorities registered about 450 people wishing to leave the enclave. However, none of them were included in a list published by Gaza border authorities of those authorized to leave on Thursday. But 400 U.S. citizens and dozens of European, Sri Lankan, Mexican and South Korean nationals were on the list.
Prior to that, on October 27, the UN voted on a resolution calling for a cease-fire. Before it, Canadian Permanent Representative Bob Rae moved a motion to condemn Hamas' actions in attacking Israel. The amendment was ultimately not tabled.
Canadians don't give up hope
The lists of those allowed to cross the border will still be agreed upon between Egypt and Israel, with the embassies of the countries involved being informed in advance so they can prepare to receive their citizens. Foreign Affairs Canada reports that it is working non-stop to try to get its citizens evacuated and is also communicating directly with them.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a meeting with Palestinian Canadians in Toronto earlier today, November 2. At the meeting, the head of government listened to citizens' concerns and responded that the right to express one's opinion without fear of reprisal is an inherent Canadian value. Trudeau also emphasized that he advocated on behalf of the state for humanitarian pauses, delivery of humanitarian aid and respect for international law.
