Thousands of Canadians expected to flee War in the Middle East
FreeAfrica (July 24, 2006)

Photo: Hizbollah militants

In recent days many Canadians, were shocked to learn of the large numbers of fellow citizens that have made alternative dwellings in the Middle East. Local media reported that some 40 000 Canadian citizens would need evacuation from the war torn region. The sides at war are Israel with its army and Lebanon’s militant group Hizbollah. The 40 000 and some Canadians currently under evacuation are particularly in Lebanon, where for just over a week now, intense fighting between Hizbollah and Israeli’s troops has been fierce.

Reuters Photo: Canadian-Lebanese evacuees who fled the conflict in Lebanon stand on deck of a boat upon arrival at the port of Mersin on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, early July 24, 2006.

The fighting is reported to have started after Hizbollah abducted two of Israeli’s soldiers and has since refused to release them. Hizbollah has continued to launch rockets into the northern parts of Israel killing and wounding civilians. In return, Israel has gone on a no-hold-bars offensive launching rockets and missiles at major points it deems to be strongholds of the Hizbollah group. Sadly in the mists of all this fighting, Lebanon appears largely on the receiving end. Cities of Lebanon are reportedly being demolished by the Israeli bombings and innocent women and children have fallen victims. International media coverage has shown gruesome images of cities of Lebanon turned to rubble. Beirut the country’s main city is the hardest hit.

As Canadian evacuees began to arrive in Canada from Lebanon, most of those interviewed at local airports upon arrival were just so thankful to be Canadian, for belonging to such a peaceful country. Many of the evacuees though, still grieved their losses back in Lebanon where some had invested in new beginnings. For Canadian-Lebanese the most painful thought of the whole process was the thought of leaving relatives behind knowing they may never see each other again as the killings continue.

One request was a stand out by Canadians. The war needs to be stopped. Innocent people are dying, caught in a cross fire they did not partake in building. Some Canadian evacuees also expressed dissatisfaction at the slow speed at which Canadian authorities carried out the evacuation process in Beirut. Indications that fleeing families waiting in long queues to be evacuated were now being affected by severe fatigue and fear were made apparent.

The international community, including the United Nations has given directives for Israel to stop its merciless offensive. Hizbollah as also been summoned to a cease fire upon Northern Israel. But today, the war between the two rivals still continues without retreat. Today, reports came in that Pope Benedict XV1 has also issued statement calling on a cease-fire.

N.B: Click on the following links to learn more about the Israel versus Lebanon crisis

UN warning on Mid-East war crimes
Source (BBC world news)

Mid-East faces uncertain future
Source (BBC world news)

Who are Hizbollah?
Source (BBC world news)