The war between Israel and Hamas that broke out on October 7th has claimed the lives of six Canadians as of the 17th.
According to news reports on the 14th, there are 5,700 Canadians in Israel, with about 150 in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The number reported as “Canadian” does not only include Canadian citizens, but also often includes family members of permanent residents and citizenship holders.
Since the Hamas attack began on the 7th, nearly 2,000 people have sought help from Canadian consulates, and as of the 13th, 281 people have returned home with the help of the Canadian military.
But the federal government says it cannot safely evacuate all Canadians without creating a humanitarian corridor. Canada recognizes Hamas as a terrorist group, and regarding the war, Prime Minister Trudeau has said, “Israel has the right to defend itself.”