Canada Relocates Diplomats' Families Amid Middle East Tensions

The Canadian government has decided to relocate the children and guardians of its diplomats from Israel due to escalating Middle East tensions. This move follows increased risks of broader conflict involving Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah, amid ongoing violence in Gaza. Canadian embassies remain operational while citizens are advised against travel to the region.

The Canadian government announced on Wednesday its decision to withdraw the children and guardians of its diplomats from Israel, as tensions rise in the Middle East, the Canadian Press reported.

Escalating tensions between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah have intensified fears of a wider conflict, adding to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut has fueled threats of retaliation against Israel, heightening the risk of regional war.

Global Affairs Canada has approved the temporary relocation of diplomats' families to a safe third country. Diplomats in Ramallah and Beirut do not have dependents with them. Canada advises its citizens to avoid traveling to Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank due to the uncertain security situation.

The Canadian embassies in Tel Aviv and Beirut, along with the representative office to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, will continue to operate and provide services. The latest violence in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages according to Israeli reports.

The Gaza health ministry claims that Israel's subsequent military assault has resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths and displaced almost the entire population of 2.3 million, leading to accusations of genocide, which Israel denies.

(With inputs from agencies.)