Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has issued its latest update in its effort to assist Canadians hoping to leave the Middle East, amid a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Iran. According to GAC, more than 800 Canadians, permanent residents and eligible family members have left Israel, Iran and the West Bank, as of Thursday. The department also says it’s offering consular services upon arrival in third safe locations, and is arranging transportation for Canadians hoping to leave the region. GAC has arranged for five more people to travel on buses from the West Bank to Jordan, and for seven more people to fly from Jordan to Greece on a chartered flight. In a post on X on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand also issued an update, writing that Israeli and Iranian airspace are open, though commercial flights may be limited. Canadians in the Middle East are being encouraged to register with GAC. As of Tuesday, there were 5,601 Canadians in Iran, 6,146 in Israel, 450 in the West Bank and Gaza, 7,112 in Qatar, and 1,017 in Iraq, according to GAC. “Tensions between Israel and Iran remain high,” Anand wrote. The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated two weeks ago, when Israel attacked nuclear and military sites in Iran. Following Iranian retaliation and further assault from both sides, the U.S. also struck Iranian sites. The adversaries have since accepted a ceasefire, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. “Israeli authorities have largely lifted restrictions across the country, allowing for a return to full activity,” according to the update from GAC. “Reports from Iran point to a gradual return to normal activities.” The government has faced criticism for lacking efficiency in helping Canadians leave the Middle East, including from former Conservative MPs Michelle Ferreri and Rick Perkins, both of whom were in Israel when the conflict escalated. Both have since returned home. According to GAC, the department will reduce the frequency of its updates going forward as the ceasefire holds, but will issue them when there is new information.
