World Affairs Canada has confirmed that five Canadians have been killed and three others are missing in clashes between Israel and Hamas.
“Unfortunately, the death of a missing Canadian has been confirmed, and another death has been confirmed,” said Julie Sunday, deputy deputy minister, diplomatic affairs, security and tourism management, during a technical briefing on Emergencies Canada on Sunday morning.
The ministry has not confirmed their identities. “We are currently focused on the cases of the three missing persons and we continue to work to locate them and bring them safely to Canada,” said Ms.me Sunday.
Several Canadians were killed in a Hamas attack on a techno music festival in southern Israel, along with 260 festival-goers. Ben Mizrachi, 22, of Vancouver, Alexandre Luk, 33, and Shir Georgi, 22, of Montreal, all died in the attack.
A Canadian mother of two young children, Adi Whittle-Kabloon, was executed by Hamas terrorists. Hamas gunmen killed a 33-year-old woman in her home near the Gaza border on Kibbutz Holit.
Evacuation is in progress
The process of repatriating Canadians to Israel, which began on Thursday, continues. Two flights with 90 and 173 passengers are scheduled for Sunday, and two more for Monday. In total, more than 1,000 passengers will have flown from Israel to Athens by the end of the day. Julie Sunday said evacuation flights will continue as long as there is a need.
However, the Canadians trapped in the Gaza Strip have yet to be evacuated. “Approximately 300 Canadian permanent residents and their families have asked us for help and assistance to leave Gaza,” said Mr.me Sunday.
Canada is negotiating to send Canadians and their families captured in the Gaza Strip to Egypt via the Rafah crossing point. “When a window is ready, it’s very short,” warned Mme Sunday. Canada is trying to keep in touch with families in Gaza by phone, “but it’s difficult because the electricity is out in the Gaza Strip, so it’s difficult to communicate with people,” he said.
For Canadians caught in the West Bank, Canada is trying to “create land transportation options to Jordan” or by bus. Mme Sunday said more details would be available in the coming days.
Also, Canadians in southern Lebanon are being urged to leave. “Canadians who are already in Lebanon should ask themselves if they really want to be there,” he said.
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