In light of the intensifying conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, has issued an urgent advisory for all Canadians in Lebanon, recommending an immediate departure from the country.
Heightening Violence and Volatility “The security situation in Lebanon is becoming increasingly volatile and unpredictable due to sustained and escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel and could deteriorate further without warning,” stated Minister Joly. She emphasized the escalating danger, urging Canadians to leave while commercial flights are still available.
Consular Services and Travel Warnings Minister Joly warned that if the armed conflict intensifies, it could severely affect Canadians’ ability to leave Lebanon and limit the government’s capacity to provide consular assistance. She clarified that Canada is not currently offering assisted departures or evacuations and such services cannot be guaranteed.
Canadians in Lebanon are advised to frequently check the Travel Advice and Advisories for Lebanon and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive crucial updates from the Government of Canada. Those already registered should verify and update their information to ensure accuracy.
Emergency Contact Information In emergencies, Canadians should contact the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon at 961 4 726 700 or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa:
- Telephone: +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted where available)
- Email: sos@international.gc.ca
- SMS: +1 613-686-3658
- WhatsApp: +1 613-909-8881
- Signal: +1 613-909-8087
- Telegram: Canada Emergency Abroad
Plans for Large-Scale Evacuation Last week, in response to rising tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border, Canada began preparing for what could be its largest evacuation operation to date, targeting the safe withdrawal of approximately 45,000 Canadian citizens currently in Lebanon. This follows a reportedly intense conversation between Minister Joly and Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, during which Joly conveyed Canada’s serious concerns and the potential deployment of military forces to facilitate the evacuation.
Document Readiness Reminder Canadians are reminded to keep their travel documents and those of their spouses and dependent children current and secure.
Latest on Israel-Hezbollah Conflict The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has seen a significant escalation, with recent reports of heavy artillery exchanges and rising civilian casualties on both sides. The international community is closely watching the developments, with many countries advising their citizens to avoid the region. In particular, the recent missile strikes and military responses have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, further underscoring the urgency of Minister Joly’s advisory.
Conclusion The situation in Lebanon is rapidly evolving. Canadians in Lebanon are strongly advised to follow the government’s recommendation and leave the country while commercial travel options remain viable.