As clashes persist between Hamas and Israel, Louis Dumas, Canada’s ambassador to Egypt assures that the Canadian embassy in Egypt stands prepared to extend aid to Canadians trapped in the crossfire in Gaza. He insists that negotiations are well underway towards finding a resolution for what has become a two-week long bloody conflict.
Dumas does not provide a specific timeline, but assures Canadian citizens that there are tireless efforts being invested in working out a solution. He emphasizes, “The sooner, the better.”
The deterioration of peace between Hamas and Israel has resulted in a tragic loss of life. With over 1,400 Israeli casualties, largely civilians, from Hamas’ assault from Gaza on October 7. Furthermore, close to 200 people are believed to be held hostage. Israel has responded with ongoing airstrikes directed at Gaza, cutting off supplies for residents and preparing for a tentative ground offensive.
Gaza’s casualty numbers are significantly higher with the tally surpassing 4,600, some of which include victims of a dubious hospital explosion that the Canadian government alleges was likely a consequence of a rocket fired from within Gaza itself.
Global Affairs Canada revealed on Saturday that the numbers of Canadians registered in Gaza and the West Bank total 452, in addition to 5,900 in Israel, and 16,481 in Lebanon. With six Canadians confirmed dead and two missing, Global Affairs has helped nearly 1,600 Canadians and their families, as well as foreign nationals depart Israel.
On the ground in Egypt, confidence is growing as Ambassador Dumas asserts that his team is ready to act, working in liaison with Egyptian authorities to assist Canadians caught in hostile situations.
This past Saturday marked a glimmer of hope as the first shipment of aid since Israel’s siege entered Gaza through a convoy of 20 trucks. The delivery had been endorsed by the United States and witnessed an additional shipment of 14 trucks arriving under the aegis of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
In an attempt to foster peace, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly and Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen have embarked upon a trip to Egypt for a peace summit. As part of their relief efforts, they have pledged $50 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and its vicinity, whilst taking precautions to ensure that these funds do not reach Hamas militants. This is an augmentation of the earlier announced aid of $10 million on October 12th.
The summit lacked the presence of Israel and the United States, and failed to yield a unified statement from the leaders present. Despite these challenges, Dumas remains hopeful, acknowledging the complexity of the deeply rooted conflict and expressing optimism in the constructive participation of several countries and organizations.
He highlighted the need for continuous work towards peace, stating, “There’s still a lot of work to be done, frankly.”
