First group of Canadians leave the West Bank for Jordan

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says a group of Canadians have crossed safety from the West Bank into neighbouring Jordan as violence continues in Israel’s escalating war against Hamas.

Joly made the announcement Monday morning on social media, thanking the staff members from Global Affairs for working “around the clock” to make it possible.

Federal officials say that 21 Canadians and foreign nationals took a bus out of the West Bank, a Palestinian territory that Israel has occupied since 1967 and where it has established settlements.

As the crisis in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel continues to unfold, the security situation in the region is becoming increasingly volatile.

Canadians in Lebanon should consider leaving while commercial flights remain available.

— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) October 16, 2023

Joly is now advising that Canadians in Lebanon consider leaving the increasingly volatile region “while commercial flights remain available.”

WATCH MORE: Hundreds rally in support of Palestine at Hamilton City Hall

Tensions in the region exploded on Oct. 7 when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and taking more than 150 people hostage.

As the crisis in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel continues to unfold, the security situation in the region is becoming increasingly volatile.

Canadians in Lebanon should consider leaving while commercial flights remain available.

— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) October 16, 2023

Israel retaliated by bombarding the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and cutting off food, water and electricity to 2.3 million Palestinians.

As the war enters its 10th day, more than 4,000 people have been killed on both sides.

As Israel plans a massive ground invasion, Canada is working to help as many as 300 Canadians and their families escape Gaza after a plan to allow people to leave through Egypt over the weekend fell through.

READ MORE: Global Affairs confirms death of 5th Canadian in Israel