Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says the first group of Canadians has left the Gaza Strip, where Israel’s military is conducting operations to uproot Hamas.
Global Affairs Canada says a group of “approximately 20-25” were met by Canadian diplomats on the Egyptian side of the border and that it expects 80 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible family members will leave Gaza today.
“I would like to thank all Canadian diplomats in Egypt and also in Ottawa who have been working night and day to make this happen,” said the minister, adding that getting Canadians evacuated is “our number one priority.”
GAC says in a statement it’s in contact with over 600 Canadians, permanent residents, and family members in Gaza. Last week, the Israeli Defense Forces told the Canadian government that over 400 of them were on an approved list to leave Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
That crossing is vital for Gaza to move people and goods, but it’s not systematically opened and Israel monitors it closely.
GAC says it’s working with local authorities to extract other Canadians not on the approved list. The Gaza Strip has been ruled since 2007 by Hamas, which Canada and other countries consider a terrorist entity.
Canadians able to cross into Egypt can only remain there for 72 hours and have to travel onward to another destination.
“There’s personal decisions that will be made in terms of their next destination,” International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen told reporters on Nov. 7. He said Canadians will be moved from Rafah to El-Arish, the largest city in northern Sinai, and then on to Cairo.
Mr. Hussen could not say how many days it would take to get other Canadians out.
“I’m very hopeful, and the fact that the first group got out is very, very encouraging,” he said. “I believe this will build the momentum to get the rest of them out now that we’ve worked on the modalities to ensure safe passage.”
Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel on Oct. 7, which authorities say killed 1,400 people while over 200 others were taken hostage. Israel initially responded with artillery and air strikes and is currently in a ground operation phase inside the Gaza Strip.
Mr. Netanyahu also said he would consider tactical pauses in the Gaza fighting but has rejected calls for a ceasefire.
The Canadian government has not pressed for a ceasefire but has been calling for a humanitarian truce to allow aid to reach Palestinians.
