The federal government is working to secure safe passage for 88 Australians, family members and visa holders stranded in Gaza to leave the conflict zone.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said today Australian officials were negotiating with counterparts from Israel and Egypt to ensure the Rafah crossing is open so they can exit Gaza.
But she said the Australians, like other foreign nationals stuck in Gaza, had been unable to leave.
“We have 88 Australians and families, so that’s citizens, those on visas and family members, and we have been working since this conflict began to try and get them out of Gaza,” Wong told the ABC.
“We’re in the same situation, very sadly, that every other nation with foreign nationals is … in terms of foreign nationals in Gaza. There has not been exit permitted.”
The Rafah crossing is the only entry point to Gaza not controlled by Israel, which has implemented a “complete siege” on the Hamas-run enclave and the more than 2 million Palestinians living there.
Before and after: Satelite images show Gaza damage
The foreign minister also reiterated government advice for Australians in Lebanon to “leave now”.
Read Related Also: NASA missions spy a ghostly hand and creepy face in the cosmos
Wong said there were concerns Beirut airport could close if the current fighting impacts Lebanon and the federal government may not be able to help Australians there.
“Australians in Lebanon should leave now, while commercial flights remain available,” she posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
“If armed conflict increases, it could affect wider areas of #Lebanon and close Beirut airport.
“The Australian government may not be able to assist you to leave.”
The conflict has threatened to spill over into Lebanon, with regular small-scale clashes already taking place between militants from Hamas-allied Hezbollah and Israeli forces on the country’s southern border.
– Reported with CNN, Associated Press
