Two more Australians have been able to escape war-torn Gaza after being allowed into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing overnight.
On Wednesday, 23 Australians – 20 citizens, one permanent resident and two family members – made it out of the enclave when the Rafah crossing opened for the first time since the war between Israel and Hamas escalated on October 7.
That number has now grown to 25 after two more – one citizen and a permanent resident – made it into Egypt overnight.
“Twenty-five individuals supported by the Australian government have now departed Gaza,” a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson said.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is assisting 64 individuals in Gaza, composed of Australians and their families, who have requested our help to depart.”
The duo is currently being provided with accommodation in Cairo before flying home.
Israeli soldiers ‘fighting face-to-face’ with Hamas
DFAT also confirmed four citizens and a family member were able to leave the other Palestinian territory of the West Bank overnight for Jordan, and said it was working to help the remaining 64 Australians trapped in Gaza leave.
“We continue to engage closely with partners in the region to ensure the remaining Australians in Gaza who wish to leave are able to do so as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“Departures depend on a range of factors, and the situation in Gaza remains challenging and can change rapidly.”
Dahlan’s wife, Samah, is not an Australian passport holder, but does have a visa.
It is not known if the couple were the two Australians allowed through the border overnight, but Dahlan’s son, Shaher, told Today this morning that his father is “in an extremely perilous situation”.
