The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has left many Canadians, including children, trapped in the Gaza Strip with no means of evacuation. While the Canadian government has launched evacuation flights from Tel Aviv to Athens, providing a lifeline for those in Israel, the situation remains dire for those in the blockaded Gaza Strip. The absence of evacuation plans for Gaza residents has left them feeling desperate and stranded in a dangerous conflict zone.
The Evacuation Plan
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced a plan to evacuate Canadians from Tel Aviv to Athens, Greece, where they would then connect with flights back to Canada. The first two evacuation flights, carrying 128 and 153 passengers, departed on Thursday. However, Canadians in Gaza have no way to reach these evacuation flights, creating a distressing situation.
Desperate Pleas from Canadians in Gaza
One poignant video message from a 10-year-old girl, who is both Palestinian and Canadian, encapsulates the dire situation. She and her family, including her siblings and mother, are among seven Canadians stranded in Gaza, with two concerned fathers in Ontario seeking a way to get them out. In the video, she highlights the fear and uncertainty they are facing, including power outages and limited access to essentials like water.
The Blockade on Gaza
The Gaza Strip has been under a blockade since 2007, restricting the movement of people and goods in and out of the region. This blockade has made it nearly impossible for Canadians in Gaza to reach evacuation flights in Tel Aviv, sparking calls for urgent action.
The Challenge of Israeli Restrictions
Israel’s control over the region has led to challenges in facilitating evacuation for Canadians in Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have faced restrictions on their ability to travel through Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport or access international flights. With a lack of airports in these areas, they often rely on crossing into Jordan first. However, this option was closed due to the recent conflict.
Canadian Citizens in Limbo
Global Affairs Canada has received hundreds of requests for assistance from Canadians in Gaza and the West Bank. Still, it remains unclear how they will be able to escape the region, with no humanitarian corridors established.
Calls for Canada to Advocate
Advocacy groups have called on Canada to negotiate with Israel to allow Palestinian-Canadians to travel more freely, creating a plan that does not privilege one group over another. The plea is for a more equitable solution to ensure the safety of all Canadian citizens.
Desperation Amid Airstrikes
As the conflict continues, those trapped in Gaza are living in fear for their lives. A university professor, Mohanad Kullab, and his pregnant wife, unable to leave the region, are using a single light powered by a battery and struggling to find clean water. Amidst ongoing airstrikes and a lack of essential resources, they, like many others, are desperately seeking assistance.
Canada’s Role in the Crisis
While Canada has acted swiftly to aid its citizens trapped in Israel, the lack of a clear plan for those in Gaza has left families feeling abandoned. The absence of support for Canadians in the Gaza Strip raises concerns about the welfare of these citizens and their families.
A Humanitarian Crisis
The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza is a growing concern. Civilians and healthcare workers are at risk, with a critical need for humanitarian assistance. Calls for all parties to facilitate access for such aid are urgent.