Eight Canadians die in Lebanon (2:40 p.m. update)

Eight Lebanese-Canadians were killed today as Israeli airstrikes hit the Lebanese town of town of Aitaroun on the country's border with Israel, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay has confirmed.

Six other Canadians are reported to be in critical condition after the attacks.

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Statement from Canada's minister of foreign affairs

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today issued the following statement outlining current efforts to support Canadians in Lebanon:

"As the situation in Lebanon worsens, we are providing even greater support to affected Canadians.

"We are actively planning to assist those Canadian citizens in Lebanon who wish to leave to do so, beginning with those whose needs are greatest. In order to achieve this, we are securing commercial vessels and pre-positioning them off the coast of Lebanon. We are also working to secure safe passage for these vessels.

"The government is also in the process of deploying additional support, including a planning assistance team and more consular staff, to assist our efforts in the region.

"We are working around the clock and are in regular contact with Canadians registered in Lebanon. Information about current efforts is being relayed through messages to Canadians who have advised us of their presence in Lebanon.

"Our advice to Canadians in Lebanon remains that they should stay indoors and ensure that their travel documents are up to date and readily accessible. We ask Canadians not to proceed to the embassy at this time.

"As many like-minded countries find themselves in the same situation as Canada, we are actively discussing and coordinating efforts with them. Officials in Ottawa have been in regular contact with their counterparts in other capitals."

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