‘Canadians need to leave now’: Ottawa’s urgent plea as violence in Lebanon escalates

The Canadian government has issued a stark warning to any of its citizens currently in Lebanon. “The situation in Lebanon continues to worsen.” Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly wrote on X, Friday. “Canada has secured seats for Canadians on the limited commercial flights available. If a seat is available, please take it.” Joly previously said she believes there are roughly 45,000 Canadians in the country and that they would have to pay for their flight. However, Joly’s office has confirmed that loans will be made available for those who need financial assistance to escape. Escalating violence in the region reached a deadly crescendo earlier that day, killing six and leaving at least 91 others injured in the Lebanese capital of Beirut. An Israeli military spokesperson took to social media to warn residents of an impending strike shortly before its launch, which it says targeted Hezbollah’s central headquarters, the aftermath of which destroyed six buildings. A primar