Global Affairs confirms eighth Canadian death in Israel-Hamas conflict

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has confirmed the death of an eighth person connected to Canada in its latest update pertaining to the ongoing violent conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“GAC is aware of the deaths of seven Canadian citizens and one with deep connections to Canada,” the agency stated in its Tuesday update. “We are also aware of one Canadian who is missing.”

In its Monday update, the agency had listed six Canadians and one with deep connections to Canada as dead and two Canadians as missing.

GAC did not confirm if the latest death was an individual who was previously believed to be missing.

The son of Canadian peace activist Vivian Silver confirmed her death on Monday. Silver was originally believed to have been one of the 239 hostages taken by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attack, but her son Yonatan Zeigen told CTV News that his family had learned that she was killed in the original attack.

NO NEW CROSSINGS

GAC did not report any new Canadian crossings from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah border crossing on Tuesday.

In an update, the agency said 356 Canadians, permanent residents and eligible family members have been permitted to leave Gaza as of Tuesday afternoon.

“Canada does not determine when or how many persons can cross each day,” the agency stated.

Ten Canadians were allowed to cross into Egypt on Monday.

The border crossing, which is currently the only route out of the besieged enclave, has been permitting limited numbers of foreign nationals and injured Palestinians to cross into Egypt since the start of November. However, it has also been closed on numerous days.

Those who make it through the Rafah border crossing are able to stay in Egypt for a maximum of three days. Canadians can receive consular assistance at the Embassy of Canada in Cairo, and Canadian officials can assist with onward travel from there, according to GAC.

GAC is in contact with 390 Canadians, permanent residents and family members in Gaza, according to the Tuesday update.