There is a genuine risk of escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and Canadians are advised to leave Lebanon while it is still feasible, as the Canadian government may not be able to evacuate all citizens if the situation deteriorates further, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "We recognize that the risk of escalation is genuine, and the challenges in the region are substantial," Trudeau informed reporters in Ontario. "We are taking certain measures to be prepared to assist if the situation becomes significantly worse, but it is so challenging that we might not be able to evacuate all Canadians."
Concerns are growing that the Middle East could plunge into a full-scale war following Hezbollah's pledge to avenge the killing of their commander Fuad Shukr, and Iran's vow to retaliate for the assassination of the Hamas leader in Tehran last week. Hezbollah conducted a series of drone and rocket attacks into northern Israel on August 6, but cautioned that their anticipated response to Israel's killing of a top commander last week is yet to materialize.
