The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said it is looking to confirm the welfare of Australians in Israel amidst the conflict with Hamas, while it monitors the situation closely.
“Australian officials are monitoring the situation closely and remain in touch with local authorities,” a DFAT spokesperson told The Mandarin.
“We are aware that some flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport have been delayed or cancelled. Australians are encouraged to check with their airline for the latest updates before travelling.
“Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).”
The spokesperson added that Australia “unequivocally condemns the attacks on Israel by Hamas, including indiscriminate rocket fire, the targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages”.
“We call for these attacks to stop and recognise Israel’s right to defend itself. Australia urges the protection of all civilian lives. We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those taken hostage,” the spokesperson said.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday DFAT officials were working on a 24-hour basis in regard to the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip.
“Penny Wong, our foreign minister, spoke to the Israeli foreign minister last night,” Albanese said.
“I spoke to the Israeli ambassador to Australia yesterday. We are in constant contact between Australian officials and Israeli officials.
“We don’t have any further information to announce at this point in time. But obviously, we are concerned, as is the whole world.”
Israel has declared war on Hamas, after the latter launched an attack over the weekend.
UN secretary-general António Guterres has condemned the attacks, saying numerous Israeli civilian lives have been lost with hundreds injured.
Albanese said the extent of the conflict had not been seen in the region since the Yom Kippur War.
“Israel has a right to defend itself,” he said.
“But you will see, you’ve already seen horrific numbers, so more than six hundred Israelis killed in the initial action by Hamas and hundreds of people killed in Gaza as well.
“This is of real concern, but Hamas bear the responsibility for this.”
The Australian government has, since 2003, listed Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
The prime minister added there had been no Israeli request for assistance from Australia in the form of troops.
Smartraveller was updated on October 8, advising not to travel to Gaza or areas near the border. Additionally, the website is advising reconsidering the need to travel to the West Bank and all parts of Golan Heights east of Route 98.
Smarttraveller said the security situation was “dangerous and uncertain”.
“We now also advise do not travel to areas near the border with Gaza due to ongoing armed conflict,” the website stated.
“Rockets have been fired at Israel from Gaza. There have been separate terror attacks on civilians.”
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