No Canadian was able to leave the besieged Gaza Strip on Wednesday, Global Affairs Canada revealed.
The ministry confirmed in a statement late Wednesday that the Rafah border crossing was closed and that “no foreigners were able to cross the border.”
Global Affairs said the Canadian Embassy in Cairo is providing consular assistance, food, accommodation and basic necessities to the 75 people who were able to cross Tuesday.
The Rafah border crossing, the only exit for foreign nationals, was closed on Wednesday due to “security circumstances”, a spokesperson for the US State Department said during a press briefing earlier this year. afternoon.
Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Rob Oliphant, told reporters earlier Wednesday that he expected more Canadians to be able to cross the border.
“We are doing everything we can to get them out as quickly as possible,” said Mr. Oliphant, adding that the Canadian government is working with Egypt, Israel and Qatar.
However, he mentioned that Canada does not control the process of who can leave or when.
Global Affairs reiterated that the situation remains “fluid and unpredictable,” and that Canadians should expect “significant delays and closures without notice at the Rafah border crossing.”
More people linked to Canada are on the list of those wishing to leave the Gaza Strip, after 75 Canadians, permanent residents and members of their families were able to enter Egypt on Tuesday.
Wednesday’s document contained 40 names under the heading “Canada,” many of which are listed as having dual citizenship. Other countries listed include Germany, the Philippines, Ukraine, Romania and the United States.
The Canadian government confirmed that 75 people linked to Canada left the Palestinian territory via its border with Egypt on Tuesday.
On Monday, Global Affairs Canada said in a statement that the Israeli army had assured Canada that more than 400 of its citizens could cross the border in the coming days.
Tuesday’s breakthrough came after Canada told citizens stuck in Gaza they might be allowed out over the weekend.
Those leaving the Gaza Strip are allowed to stay in Egypt for a maximum of three days. People linked to Canada receive help with accommodation, food and basic necessities.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised Tuesday that his government will continue working until all Canadians and their families are out of the Gaza Strip.
For his part, Defense Minister Bill Blair has already indicated that it is not expected that the army will be obliged to bring back Canadians who escaped from Gaza to Ottawa, because there are commercial flights available.
PHOTO ADRIAN WYLD, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair
Minister Blair said Canada expects those fleeing Gaza to pay for their own plane tickets, but added that if people are unable to purchase them, Global Affairs Canada could help them.
Global Affairs will help affected individuals make future travel arrangements at their own expense. Financial assistance in the form of private funds transfer or emergency loans could also be offered for those who need it, the ministry said on Wednesday.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly was in Tokyo this week to meet with her G7 counterparts to discuss the situation.