2nd November 2023 – (Canberra) A group of Australians who found themselves stranded in Gaza have been successfully evacuated to Egypt, according to official statements from the Australian government. On Wednesday, 20 Australian citizens who were trapped in Gaza managed to leave the region through the Rafah border crossing, entering Egypt. Additionally, two family members of Australian citizens and one permanent resident of Australia, who had registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for government assistance in leaving Gaza, were also safely evacuated.
Penny Wong, the minister for foreign affairs, revealed in an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio that the evacuees received a warm welcome from Australian consular officials upon their arrival in Egypt. They were promptly transported to Cairo, where ongoing travel arrangements will be made to ensure their safe return home.
Wong further stated, “We are providing support to those families and Australian citizens who managed to leave overnight.” The Australian government remains committed to assisting its citizens and their families affected by the crisis and ensuring their well-being throughout the repatriation process.
While the successful evacuation is a positive development, it is important to note that there are still 65 Australians in Gaza who have registered with DFAT. As the situation unfolds, the government continues to monitor the circumstances closely to provide necessary aid and support to those remaining in the region.
Presently, the federal government has not announced any specific plans for additional repatriation flights to assist citizens who wish to leave Palestine, Israel, or Lebanon. However, in a proactive move, the government deployed two Royal Australian Air Force aircraft to the Middle East in October. These aircraft are intended to aid potential future evacuation efforts if required.
The plight of stranded Australians in Gaza has garnered significant attention, as families and loved ones anxiously await their safe return. The Australian government acknowledges the gravity of the situation and is actively working to facilitate the safe repatriation of its citizens from the conflict-affected areas.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in close coordination with Australian consular officials, remains dedicated to providing ongoing assistance and support to those in need. As the situation evolves, the Australian government will continue to prioritize the welfare and safety of its citizens, taking necessary measures to address the challenges presented by the ongoing crisis.
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