National

Canada committing $10M in humanitarian aid for Israel, Gaza as Canadian flights leave

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Oct, 2023 10:48 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is giving an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance for urgent needs in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

He also says the first airlift of 130 Canadians that left Tel Aviv earlier today has landed in Athens.

The safety of Canadians abroad is our top priority, and we’re helping our citizens and permanent residents come back to Canada. The first @CanadianForces evacuation plane has left Tel Aviv and landed safely in Athens, and the second plane has already arrived in Tel Aviv.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 12, 2023

The federal government said Wednesday that flights could begin leaving as early as today, with up to 150 passengers on board.

Officials say around 700 Canadians in Israel have asked for help to leave the country since violence broke out on Saturday.

We’re working tirelessly to assist Canadians in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

I can confirm that the first @CanadianForces evacuation flight has departed from Tel Aviv with approximately 130 passengers on board.

We will continue to be there for Canadians who need help.
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) October 12, 2023

Canada does not usually provide military air transportation when commercial flights are still operating, but the government says people have been asking for help because it's difficult to get tickets.

A second Royal Canadian Air Force flight, which Trudeau says has landed in Tel Aviv, is listed on the departures board for this evening local time, and a third for Friday afternoon.

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