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Tag: Canadians in Lebanon

  • Ottawa Ramps Up Evacuation Efforts for Canadians in Lebanon Amid Escalating Violence

    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

  • Canada’s Mélanie Joly Urges Ceasefire as Middle East War Intensifies

    Canada’s Mélanie Joly Urges Ceasefire as Middle East War Intensifies

    Amid rising tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s large-scale missile attacks on Israel and subsequent Israeli ground operations in Lebanon, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly declared Tuesday that war has officially broken out in the region. She urged “all parties” to agree to an immediate ceasefire, warning of devastating consequences for civilians if hostilities continue.

    Joly condemned Iran’s missile attacks, stating that they would only destabilize the region further. She reiterated Canada’s strong support for Israel while simultaneously calling for restraint to prevent further escalation. “We unequivocally condemn Iran’s actions,” Joly said, emphasizing the importance of halting violence to protect innocent lives.

    The minister also issued another urgent plea for Canadians in Lebanon to leave immediately. Despite multiple government advisories, Joly admitted that many Canadians have not heeded the warnings, and some have even chosen to travel to the region against government advice.

    Canada Calls for Ceasefire Amid Growing Hostilities

    As the situation intensifies, Joly stressed the need for diplomatic solutions. “There is a war going on right now, both in Israel and Lebanon,” she told reporters in Ottawa. “All parties must engage in diplomacy to prevent further civilian casualties.”

    Canada joined G7 nations and key Middle Eastern allies in calling for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, yet the violence continues to escalate. Joly said that while Israel has a right to defend itself, a ceasefire is the only way forward to avoid more bloodshed.

    “We need to ensure that there is no further escalation,” she stated, “because if this continues, more innocent civilians, including women and children, will die.”

    Lebanese-Canadians Ignoring Evacuation Warnings

    Despite government-chartered flights from Beirut to Istanbul, Joly acknowledged that the evacuation efforts have not seen significant uptake. “I understand it’s a difficult choice,” she said, “but my priority is your safety. If you’re offered a seat, please take it.”

    Immigration Minister Marc Miller echoed Joly’s concerns, revealing that many Lebanese-Canadians are ignoring evacuation advisories. “Some individuals believe they know the risks better than the government’s advice,” Miller noted. “However, that doesn’t diminish our responsibility to help them if the situation worsens.”

    As of Tuesday, only 20,000 of an estimated 45,000 Canadians in Lebanon had registered with consular services, and just 4,000 expressed interest in evacuation assistance. Of the 1,700 contacted with flight options, only a third have accepted the government’s offer.

    Limited Travel Options Out of Beirut

    Travel options out of Lebanon are becoming increasingly limited, as airlines continue to suspend flights. While around 100 commercial flights departed Beirut daily last week, only 50 flights were operational as of Tuesday.

    Ottawa has chartered additional flights to Istanbul with capacity for 1,000 passengers over the next few days. Passengers are charged US$330 (CDN$445) for these flights, with a loan program available to assist Canadians returning home.

    The Canadian government is also considering broader evacuation options, including sea-based operations. Canada has partnered with Australia to contract a passenger ship to facilitate the evacuation of citizens from Lebanon, although this remains a last resort.

    Political Response and Emergency Debate

    In response to the crisis, NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson called for an emergency debate in the House of Commons. With a large Lebanese-Canadian community of up to 400,000, McPherson emphasized the need for Canada to take decisive action. She noted that commercial flight cancellations have left many stranded, and at least two Canadians have already been killed in the conflict.

    Defence Minister Bill Blair expressed growing concern over the situation, particularly following Israel’s recent incursions into Lebanon. Blair remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will lead to a ceasefire but warned that Canada is prepared to scale up evacuation plans if necessary.

    However, Blair made it clear that Canada would not be sending military assets to the region, stating, “Our focus is on humanitarian aid and the safety of Canadians.”

    As the conflict in the Middle East continues to unfold, Joly’s message remains clear: an immediate ceasefire is critical to prevent further loss of life, and Canadians in Lebanon must leave while they still can.

    Source: Swifteradio.com