October 16th 2024.
Last night, the final government-assisted flight from Lebanon arrived in Sydney, bringing together loved ones who had been fleeing the unstable region. It was a heartwarming sight as Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced that 200 Australians and their immediate family members were on board the flight, adding to the 3121 people who have been evacuated from Lebanon so far.
In a statement, Minister Wong expressed her gratitude for the support of commercial airlines and partner countries, particularly Cyprus, for their generous assistance. She also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade teams in Beirut, Cyprus, and Canberra who worked around the clock to coordinate the departures.
However, the Australian government has made the decision to no longer schedule repatriation flights out of Lebanon due to a decrease in demand. Instead, they are advising Australians who are looking to leave the country to take the first available commercial flight. This is because there is a possibility that Beirut Airport could close, leaving them stranded for an extended period of time.
Minister Wong also issued a warning to Australians who are still in Lebanon, urging them to leave immediately. She emphasized that in the event of an airport closure, the Australian government may not be able to assist them in leaving the country. This is a concerning situation, especially given the ongoing Israeli strikes and military action in southern Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank, which have created a volatile security situation in the Middle East.
The United Nations has also expressed concerns about the humanitarian crises in all three regions, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire. Minister Wong echoed this sentiment in a speech she was giving at the University of Tasmania, where she called for an end to the violence in Lebanon and Gaza. However, her speech was interrupted by pro-Palestine advocates who heckled her and eventually forced her to leave the stage.
A video of the incident, broadcast by the ABC, captured one of the advocates saying, "What we need right now is leaders that have backbone, that are willing to do something that isn't just talk." This highlights the frustration and desperation felt by those who are caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict.
In light of these events, the Australian government is urging its citizens not to travel to Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel. For those who are already in the region, they are advised to leave immediately. The government has set up a Crisis Portal where Australians can register for assistance, or they can call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre for support.
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