OTTAWA: The Canadian government has said it has taken a decision to pull the children and guardians of its diplomats out of Israel, amid fears of a widened crisis in the region, the Canadian media reported.
Israel’s tensions with Hezbollah and Iran have fanned fears of a broader crisis in a region already on edge amid Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip which has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis, including widespread starvation.
There has been an increased risk of escalation into a broader regional conflict following the killings of Hamas’ leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran and of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.
Global Affairs Canada, in a statement quoted in the Canadian media, said it has approved the temporary relocation of the diplomats’ kids and their guardians to a safe third nation. It said that diplomats stationed in Ramallah in the West Bank and in Beirut do not have children living with them.
Earlier, Canada on Saturday warned nationals to avoid all travel to Israel, quoting the ongoing regional war and unpredictable security situation. It also asks its national to not travel to Gaza and the West Bank.
According to Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s military offensive on the Gaza Strip has killed around 40,000 Palestinians while also displacing about the entire population of 2.3 million and leading to genocide allegations.
