The Canadian government has raised its safety warning for Israel to its highest level, and is advising Canadians to avoid the country entirely.
The advisory, issued by Global Affairs Canada on 03AUG, tells Canadians to "avoid all travel" to the region because of "the ongoing regional armed conflict and the unpredictable security situation."
The "avoid all travel" is the toughest warning in the Canadian government's travel advisory system.
"The security situation can deteriorate further without warning," Global Affairs Canada warned. "If the armed conflict intensifies, it could impact your ability to depart by commercial means. It may result in travel disruptions, including airspace closures and flight cancellations and diversions.
"You should not rely on the Government of Canada for an assisted departure or evacuation."
CBC reports fears of a wider regional conflict and all-out war between Israel and Iran have grown in the wake of recent actions between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group based in neighbouring Lebanon and backed by the Iranian regime. Hezbollah is also allied with Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
The latest travel advisory for Israel and the West Bank warns of heightened risks following recent regional tensions, including a series of attacks and assassinations.
Open Jaw previously reported Air Canada is further pausing operations to and from Tel Aviv until mid-October. The next flight from Toronto is now scheduled for Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, and service from Montréal is now scheduled for the summer of 2025.
'We remain in contact with the Canadian Government," Air Canada says on its website. "We continue to closely monitor the situation and will adjust our plans accordingly."
Times Israel reports Iberia and Air Europa have cancelled upcoming flights to Israel, joining a growing number of carriers in suspending the route or cancelling some flights due to Israel's fear of a large-scale attack by Iran and Hezbollah. The cancellations have left approximately 100,000 Israelis stranded abroad, with advice to travel to Greece or Cyprus and catch a flight back to Israel from there.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, along with their spouses and dependent children, are advised to ensure their travel documents are up to date in case of a necessary evacuation.
