Ottawa Ramps Up Evacuation Efforts for Canadians in Lebanon Amid Escalating Violence
As violence intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah, Canada is accelerating its efforts to evacuate citizens from Lebanon. On October 1, 2024, the Canadian government announced the reservation of 800 seats on commercial flights to aid the safe return of Canadians trapped in the conflict-ridden region.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “The security situation in Lebanon is becoming increasingly dangerous and volatile.” With an estimated 45,000 Canadians residing in Lebanon, the government has ramped up efforts to facilitate their safe evacuation as the conflict escalates.
Joly urged Canadians to take immediate advantage of the evacuation flights, emphasizing, “If you are offered a seat, take it now.” She also mentioned that financial assistance in the form of loans is available for those struggling to cover travel expenses. In addition to commercial flights, the Canadian military has stationed emergency resources in Cyprus, prepared to act if commercial flights are disrupted.
The urgency follows Israeli airstrikes that have claimed 95 lives in Lebanon, including civilians, as tensions mount after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Over 200,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon, with some fleeing to Syria to escape the violence, according to UN reports.
Despite the government’s efforts, only around 300 Canadians have left Beirut on these government-arranged flights. In response, Canada’s House of Commons has scheduled emergency discussions to assess and potentially expand evacuation measures.
Joly reiterated the severity of the situation, stating, “If you are a Canadian citizen, you must leave now.” The conflict, exacerbated by Iran’s recent missile strikes against Israel, has raised concerns about broader regional instability, prompting urgent evacuation efforts before travel becomes more restricted.
Some Canadians have expressed frustration with the government’s handling of the evacuation. Fatima Haidar shared her harrowing experience of trying to leave Lebanon, describing a 14-hour journey to Beirut filled with traffic and flight cancellations, while receiving little help from the embassy.
Global Affairs Canada has been actively reaching out to citizens registered in the Registry of Canadians Abroad program. While around 20,000 Canadians have registered, only 1,700 have been deemed eligible for evacuation.
Defence Minister Bill Blair acknowledged the challenges, stating, “If there is an escalation of violence, we know we will be required to do more to assist Canadians.” He confirmed that around 200 Canadian personnel are stationed in the region, with commercial flights remaining the primary mode of evacuation for now.
As tensions grow, diplomatic efforts are being watched closely. While Canada remains focused on the immediate evacuation, there is also hope for a peaceful resolution to the broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. However, the situation remains precarious, with the fate of many Canadians still uncertain as they attempt to navigate the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Lebanon.
Key Takeaways:
- Canada has reserved 800 seats on commercial flights to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon amid escalating conflict.
- Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly urged Canadians to leave immediately, with financial assistance available.
- Around 300 Canadians have evacuated, but concerns remain over the effectiveness of the government’s efforts.
- The conflict has displaced over 200,000 people in Lebanon and has broader implications for regional stability.
Source: Evrimagaci
