Canada upgrades advisory for Israel to highest risk level

The unpredictable security situation in Israel has led Global Affairs Canada to once again tell Canadians to avoid the Middle Eastern country.

Ongoing regional conflicts led to the advisory being issued on Saturday (Aug. 3) as armed conflict in Israel could affect people's ability to leave the country on commercial flights.

The advisory adds that travellers should not rely on the Canadian government to help them evacuate.

“The security situation can deteriorate further without warning,” the alert reads.

The statement says Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as well as their spouses and dependent children, should make sure their travel documents are up to date in the event an evacuation is required.

Global Affairs Canada had previously raised its travel alert for Israel and the West Bank to the highest risk level on April 12.

It downgraded that warning for Israel later that same month, recommending that Canadians "avoid all non-essential travel."

Regional tensions have increased in recent days with the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and top Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Lebanon.

Global Affairs Canada is advising to avoid all travel to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

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