Hundreds of Australians remain stuck in the Middle East after the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Israel and Gaza forced the cancellation of humanitarian flights.
Two scheduled flights were scrapped as the Australian government assured people affected it was doing everything possible to bring them to safety.
Stranded Australians were told they would receive further updates as soon as information came to hand.
The situation is highly challenging and rapidly changing. Unfortunately, we have been advised our scheduled flights will not depart Israel today. A further flight will not depart as scheduled tomorrow. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/KisGRDL0KH
— Smartraveller (@Smartraveller) October 14, 2023
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the Australian government was working hard to find solutions.
“We’re looking at how we can resolve issues around the repatriation flights which we had in train,” he said.
“We’re also looking at ways in which we can find other alternatives for Australians who are wanting to leave Israel to be able to afford them that assistance.”
More than 200 Australians have left the region on government assisted flights but uncertainty remains for hundreds of other people who have registered to leave.
Australians have been told if other options for departure are available, they should take them.
Hamas reportedly fired a rocket that landed near Israel’s main airport on Saturday night, just hours after the repatriation flights were cancelled.
The Palestinian militant group is expected to make the airport a major target as Israel prepares to launch a full scale ground offensive in Gaza.
