Global Affairs Canada aware of report of Canadian dead, 2 missing in Israel

Global Affairs Canada say they are aware of reports of one Canadian who has died and two others who are missing in Israel.

In a statement shared with CityNews Sunday afternoon, the agency said that “Canadian government officials in Israel are in contact with local authorities to confirm and gather additional information.”

Some Canadians said they were stuck in Israel amid deadly fighting Sunday, as airlines cancelled flights out of the country and reaching the Canadian Embassy on a holiday weekend proved difficult.

Air Canada had said it was temporarily cancelling flights to and from Tel Aviv as of Sunday and would adjust plans as things developed.

Global Affairs Canada says there are currently 1,419 Canadians registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad in the state of Israel and 492 Canadians registered in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Due to registration with the service being voluntary, Global Affairs Canada says it is not an exact number of Canadians outside the country.

Since the beginning of conflict on Oct. 7, Global Affairs Canada says it has responded to 429 enquiries, with most enquiries relating to Canada`s travel advice and advisories for Israel and Gaza, status of the airport and flights, the overall security situation, passport and immigration services, and options for departure.

Additionally, Global Affairs Canada advise Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip due to the unpredictable security situation” and avoid all travel in the areas.

They also say Canadians in or around the affected area should limit their movements, follow instructions of local authorities, and shelter in place until it is safe to leave the area.

All employees at the Canadian Embassy in Tel Aviv, as well Canadian personnel in Ramallah in the West Bank, are “safe and accounted for,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement.

With files from the Canadian Press