Australia has scrapped its planned repatriation flights out of Israel due to safety concerns. The decision was made in response to the 'highly challenging and rapidly changing' situation on the ground. More than 800 Australians have already been evacuated from Israel and Gaza, with over 230 successfully leaving on a Qantas flight to London. However, the flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday will not depart as planned.
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The Australian government is actively considering alternative options to evacuate its stranded citizens. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles suggested that defense flights, which have 'greater flexibility', could be arranged after civilian repatriation flights were canceled.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong expressed understanding of the distress caused by the flight cancellations. She stated that the situation on the ground is volatile and rapidly changing. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is working to ensure Australians who want to leave can do so as soon as possible.
The first group of Australians flown out of the conflict zone had landed safely at Heathrow Airport. The foreign minister said about 825 Australians had departed Israel and the occupied territories, with the foreign affairs department working to secure the safety of about 20 Australians seeking to leave Gaza. The Australian government continues to work on travel arrangements for those Australians and is moving quickly to secure more options for Australians who want to leave Israel or the occupied territories.
