More than 800 Canadians have left Iran, Israel, and the West Bank recently, seeking refuge from escalating violence in the region. This exodus began after the Canadian government started offering assistance to those wanting to escape the conflict. Global Affairs Canada reported that many Canadians in the Middle East have also managed to reach safety on their own.
As tensions between Israel and Iran continue, a fragile ceasefire has held for three days following intense missile and drone attacks. This ceasefire was negotiated with the help of U.S. President Donald Trump after a U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Despite this temporary pause in hostilities, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand noted that tensions remain high.
On Thursday, Iran partially reopened its airspace, allowing domestic and international flights to resume after it had been closed for two weeks due to the conflict. Canadian consular officials have been active in helping their citizens evacuate, arranging transportation from places like Tel Aviv and Ramallah to Jordan, and providing support for flights back home.
In a recent update, Global Affairs Canada shared that their emergency response center in Ottawa has received over 6,000 inquiries for help from Canadians in the Middle East since mid-June. They have assured that all those who requested assistance have been informed about available options for leaving the region.
The situation remains alarming, with reports indicating significant casualties in both Iran and Israel. According to Iranian authorities, over 600 people have died in the conflict, while a human rights group claims that Israeli strikes have resulted in over 1,000 deaths in Iran. In Israel, at least 28 people have died, and more than 1,000 have been injured.
The Canadian government is encouraging family members of Canadians in Iran to register for a citizens abroad service to receive updates on their loved ones. As of Wednesday, nearly 5,550 people had registered in Iran, and around 6,400 in Israel and the West Bank. However, these numbers may not accurately reflect the total number of Canadians in these areas, as registration is voluntary.
As the situation evolves, many countries continue to assist their citizens in evacuating the region, highlighting the global concern over the ongoing conflict.