Ontario, Canada: The Canadian government is reserving seats on commercial flights to assist its citizens in departing Lebanon, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly announced, following Israeli airstrikes that struck the capital, Beirut.
Approximately 45,000 Canadians are in Lebanon, though only about half have officially registered with the embassy in Beirut. Joly said that, “Canada has secured seats for Canadians on the limited commercial flights available, if a seat is available, please take it.”
Mélanie Joly also said on X that, “Please ensure you are registered with our embassy in Beirut and indicate you want help leaving. Embassy officials will contact you with details. If you need financial assistance, loans are available.”
The federal government and military have been preparing plans for a potential evacuation of Canadian citizens for several months but are encouraging people to depart independently before it becomes necessary.
1/2 The situation in #Lebanon continues to worsen.
Canadians need to leave now and we are helping with that. Canada has secured seats for Canadians on the limited commercial flights available.
If a seat is available, please take it.
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) September 27, 2024
Following the escalation of Israeli airstrikes, airlines have started cancelling flights. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that over 720 people have died in the past week due to airstrikes aimed at Hezbollah’s military capabilities, which Israel claims are intended to prevent its attacks on northern Israel.
The latest and most powerful strikes destroyed six buildings in suburban Beirut, targeting Hezbollah’s central headquarters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel from the United Nations, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to continue its campaign against Hezbollah, despite calls for a ceasefire from allies, including the U.S. and Canada.
All G7 nations, along with Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, have jointly requested a 21-day ceasefire to facilitate a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
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