Since the start of the conflict, over 800 Canadians, including permanent residents and their families, have left Iran, Israel, and the West Bank, as the government has provided assistance for those trying to escape the violence, according to officials.
In a recent update, Global Affairs Canada mentioned that many Canadians in the Middle East have managed to find safety on their own.
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran continues to hold for a third day on Thursday, following a series of missile and drone attacks that lasted 12 days.
After the U.S. targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities last Sunday, President Donald Trump facilitated a ceasefire that began on Tuesday. Further discussions between the U.S. and Iran are anticipated next week.
On Thursday, Iran partially reopened its airspace in the eastern part of the country for both domestic and international flights, including those passing through Iranian airspace. This airspace had been closed since Israel’s initial attack on Iran two weeks earlier.
Since last week, Canadian consular officials have assisted individuals in departing Iran for safe locations, from where they can return home. Similar support has been extended to Canadians in Israel, where the main international airport remained shut during the conflict, as well as in the West Bank.
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On Wednesday, Global Affairs Canada reported that government-arranged buses from Tel Aviv and Ramallah transported seven individuals to safety in Jordan.
The previous day, 95 people flew on a government-chartered plane from Jordan to Greece, where consular officials were on hand to assist travelers further.
The government’s emergency response center in Ottawa has been inundated with over 6,000 calls, emails, and messages from Canadians in the Middle East seeking assistance or information since June 13, according to the Wednesday update.
“All Canadians, permanent residents, and eligible family members who have sought help from the Government of Canada to leave the region have received information about available travel options,” it stated.
The government is encouraging relatives of Canadians and permanent residents in Iran to register on their behalf for the citizens abroad registration service and provide mobile phone numbers for receiving text updates.
As of Wednesday, there were approximately 5,550 registrants for this service in Iran, along with another 6,400 in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Global Affairs Canada noted that these figures may not accurately represent the total number of Canadians in those locations since the registration service is voluntary and may contain outdated information.
Israelis attempt to resume normal life as fragile ceasefire with Iran remains
