A Quebec man is calling on the federal government to help him bring his wife and three daughters home from Gaza.

Ghassan Elgadi said his family left for Gaza in August and hasn't been able to return home since.

Despite a government warning, Elgadi's family flew to Cairo on Aug. 8, and then made its way to Gaza to see his wife's ailing father, who lives in a refugee camp.

“She didn’t see her parents in the last ten years and the father is very sick -- really sick -- between life and death. She was really worried about that,” he explained. 

While there, the Egyptian government closed the border due to violence in Egypt, allowing a limited number of people to cross. The border was also closed all week for the holy holiday Eid that marks the end of Ramadan, and so they remain stranded in Gaza.

Elgadi's wife and their three daughters, aged 12, 8 and 3, were supposed to return to Canada on Sept. 16.

“They're stuck,” he said.

All four are Canadian citizens. Elgadi has asking Foreign Affairs to intervene, but so far said he's received little response.

“No help, not at all. Nothing,” he said.

Elgadi says two of his daughters are sick.

“I'm really afraid, because it's not up to health standards,” he said.

A statement by Foreign Affairs said the government is doing what it can, given the situation:


Canadian consular officials are aware of a Canadian family currently in the Gaza Strip.
Since 2000, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada has been advising Canadians not to travel to Gaza due to the security situation and have encouraged Canadians in Gaza to leave.
The entrances to and exits from the Gaza Strip are under the control of Israeli and Egyptian authorities, and borders may close without warning. Canadian consular officials have very limited ability to intervene on behalf of Canadians who choose to enter or remain in the Gaza Strip.

After the release of two Canadians last week who were imprisoned in Egypt for 53 days, Elgadi said he is hoping to bring attention to his family's case by speaking to the media.

He's also met with his local NDP Member of Parliament Jamie Nicholls in hopes that he can have the case treated as urgent.

Meantime, Canadian consular officers said they remain in contact with family members and are providing assistance.

Elgadi said he tries daily to contact his wife Ola, but has little luck.

“You can talk for one minute or two and then line cuts off,” he said.

Elgadi said his family was aware of the risk of entering Gaza, but felt they had to.

“I know there's a warning from the Canadian government not to go there, but (they had) no choice. The father is sick -- between life and death,” he said. “I'm really worried about them. They had to visit, but they got stuck.”