New YORK: The Ottawa government has advised Canadians not to travel to Israel due to “the ongoing regional armed conflict and the unpredictable security situation.” Global Affairs Canada on Saturday changed the risk level for Israel to “Avoid all travel.” It had previously advised against non-essential travel to the country.
“The security situation can deteriorate further without warning,” the advisory said.
There are fears of a conflagration in the Middle East after deadly attacks on Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut earlier.
Israel killed Shukr in an airstrike on Beirut. Haniyeh was killed in the Iranian capital, and Iran and Palestinian organization Hamas hold Israel responsible for Haniyeh’s death, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied a role.
Since then, Iran and its allies including Lebanon’s Hezbollah have vowed “harsh punishment” for Israel after Haniyeh’s killing.
Israel has been waging an intense military campaign against the densely populated Gaza Strip for months, launched in response to unprecedented Hamas-led attacks against Israel on October 7. (DPA)
