CIMM – Situation in Gaza and the West Bank – November 07, 2023

Key Facts And Figures

• Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is leading a consular operation to assist Canadian Citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members who are seeking to leave Gaza and the West Bank.
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is supporting the assisted departure by working to make sure Canadians, permanent residents and their immediate family members have any required authorization or travel documents for travel to Canada.
• There have been multiple assisted departures from the West Bank. In the case of Gaza, the Government of Canada is working to secure departure via the Rafah border crossing for Canadian Citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members.
• We expect this departures for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and eligible family members to begin in the coming days.
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Key Messages

• Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing and escalating situation in Gaza.
• The Government of Canada is identifying Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the region, as well as their spouses and children, so we can provide them with the information and support they need to get to safety.
• IRCC is working closely with GAC, including at our missions throughout the Middle East (e.g., Cairo, Tel Aviv, Amman, etc.), to support the assisted departure of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their eligible family members out of Gaza.

Supplementary Information

If Pressed on Special Immigration Measures:

We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves and will adapt our response accordingly. If pressed on scope of assisted departure [redacted]

• Canada recognizes the importance of keeping families together. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will tailor our response to meet the unique needs of those who require our support. Officers have the tools and authorities necessary to deal with individual vulnerable cases as the need arises.

If Pressed on Delays With Raffah Border Opening:

• The Rafah border crossing operations involve complex negotiations and is unpredictable. Canada continues to work with authorities on all sides in order to ensure the safe exit of Canadian Citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members out of Gaza.