Canada organizing flights in neighbouring countries for Canadians fleeing Israel, Iran
CBC
The federal government is planning to help Canadians fleeing the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran by organizing commercial flights out of neighbouring countries, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says.
Speaking to CBC's Power & Politics in an interview airing Thursday, Anand urged Canadians fleeing both countries to head to Jordan, Turkey and Armenia, where Canada is boosting its consular services.
"We are very concerned about Canadians in the region and we are encouraging all parties to exercise maximum restraint," she told host David Cochrane. She said flights will be available "right away" and that Canada is looking at further options with allies.
Commercial airspace over both Israel and Iran has been closed as Israel and Iran have launched numerous attacks in the past week.
Anand encouraged Canadians seeking consular services to register with Global Affairs Canada.
Anand said "thousands" of Canadians remain in both Israel and Iran and more are reaching out to the government every day. CBC News has asked GAC for a specific number.
"We have more calls coming in from each jurisdiction, but we are monitoring those calls as well. Some calls that we get are about how do we maintain our safety while staying in the region — and in that respect, if they wish to stay, we are urging everyone to shelter in place," Anand said.
"If they wish to leave, we are assisting them in neighbouring jurisdictions by booking flights for them to ensure that they can get to where they need to go."
Canadians fleeing from Iran to Turkey have three border crossing options and one at the Armenian border, according to GAC's website. Three border crossings are available from Israel and the West Bank to Jordan.
The government organized similar evacuation flights out of Lebanon last fall, as Israel carried out military action against Hezbollah. Evacuation flights were also organized in 2023 for Canadians who wished to leave Israel in the wake of Hamas's Oct. 7 attacks.
Diaspora communities in Canada have expressed grave concerns for family members in the region as the conflict escalated last week.
Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran's military and nuclear sites last Friday, kicking off an exchange of missile fire between the two countries.
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