Home safe: Aussies who fled Israel finally back on friendly ground
More Australians are expected to return home soon from Israel after emotional reunions at Sydney airport while the government tries to secure safe passage for others unable to leave the Gaza Strip.
A Qatar Airways flight from Dubai carrying more than 200 people, including Australians and dual-citizens, landed in Sydney on Tuesday evening.
Some of them were collected from Israel on government flights on Monday while others departed Tel Aviv on the weekend.
Many of the passengers were welcomed home by family and friends in emotional reunions at Sydney International Airport.
A Qantas flight departed London on Tuesday night, Australian time, and was due to land in Sydney on Wednesday night, carrying another 200 people.
At least 45 Australians remain trapped in Gaza with limited access to water, electricity, fuel and food after Israel imposed a total blockade following attacks by Hamas from the territory on October 7.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the humanitarian situation in the region was “dire,” with efforts underway for those stranded to be able to cross the border out of Gaza.
“The situation for Australians in Gaza and their families at home is deeply distressing,” she told parliament on Tuesday.
“We are doing all we can to support the work of the United States, of Egypt and others to make the Rafah border crossing open for humanitarian purposes, including the passage of civilians.
“Regrettably, efforts to secure passage have not yet been successful, despite many attempts.”
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Senator Wong said the government was already planning accommodation and onward travel for Australians in Gaza should safe passage through the border crossing be secured.
The government has previously told citizens to move to the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, in case a humanitarian window opens, but there is no guarantee this will eventuate or how long it might remain open.
The foreign minister also confirmed the National Emergency Management Agency had activated plans that would provide assistance to those returning to Australia on the repatriation flights.
