Canada is planning to operate evacuation flights for Canadians stranded in Israel after major airlines canceled flights in the wake of Palestinian militant group Hamas' unprecedented weekend attack, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Tuesday.
Some 35,000 Canadian citizens live in Israel and nearly 90,000 Canadians travel to the country every year, according to the Canadian foreign ministry. About 1,000 Canadians in Israel are looking to leave after Hamas' assault on Saturday, according to the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.
At least two Canadians have been confirmed dead in the attack - 22-year-old Ben Mizrachi and 33-year-old Alexandre Look, according to Canadian officials.
Canada will send military aircraft to Tel Aviv "in the coming days" for citizens and permanent residents as well as their spouses and children, Joly said in a statement.
"We are planning to begin the assisted departure of Canadians from Tel Aviv ... We are also working on additional options for those who cannot reach the airport in Tel Aviv," Joly said on X, formerly Twitter.
My message to Canadians in Israel, West Bank and Gaza: pic.twitter.com/lbUxpVr66i
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) October 10, 2023