Australia’s final government-assisted flight from Lebanon touched down in Sydney last night, reuniting people fleeing the unstable region with their loved ones.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said 200 Australians and their immediate family members were onboard the flight, bringing the total number of people evacuated from Lebanon to 3121.
“The government is grateful for the support of the commercial airlines and partner countries, including Cyprus for its generous facilitation,” she wrote in a statement.
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“And I thank the hardworking Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade teams working in Beirut, Cyprus and Canberra who worked around the clock to coordinate departures.”
Australia is no longer scheduling repatriation flights out of Lebanon due to declining demand.
The government advises Australians looking to flee Lebanon to take the first commercial flight out while they remain available, as Beirut Airport could close and leave them unable to depart for an extended period of time.
“The Australian government may not be able to assist you to leave in such circumstances,” the government said.
While last night’s flight touched down, Wong was presenting a speech at the University of Tasmania where she again reiterated her call for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.
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She was interrupted by pro-Palestine advocates who heckled her and eventually forced her to leave the stage.
“What we need right now is leaders that have backbone, that are willing to do something that isn’t just talk,” one could be heard saying in a video broadcast by the ABC.
Ongoing Israeli strikes and military action in southern Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank have created a volatile security situation in the Middle East.
The United Nations has warned of humanitarian crises in all three regions.
Australians are urged not to travel to Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. Anyone already in the region should leave immediately.
Australians wanting to depart should register via DFAT’s Crisis Portal or by calling the Australian Government’s 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 overseas or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
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