Ottawa to begin airlifting Canadians out of Israel in 'coming days,' minister says

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government will be airlifting Canadians out of Israel as the country's war with Hamas rages on.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government will be airlifting Canadians out of Israel as the country's war with Hamas rages on.

Hamas militants launched attacks into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip over the weekend, killing hundreds and abducting dozens. Militants have continued to launch rockets from Gaza. In response, Israel has declared war on Hamas and has carried out a series of airstrikes in Gaza. An estimated 1,900 people have died on both sides.

In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Joly said military aircraft will begin evacuation flights from Tel Aviv "in the coming days." Flights will be available for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families.