Israel hamas conflict updates australia foreign minister penny wong confirms 800 visas palestinians 20231122 p5yxa4.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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More than 800 Palestinians granted Australian visas since outbreak of Israel-Hamas conflict

Daniel Jeffrey
Daniel Jeffrey

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More than 800 Palestinians have been granted Australian visas since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas, foreign minister Penny Wong has confirmed.

Speaking hours after news of a ceasefire deal between the warring parties was announced, which Wong welcomed, the foreign minister confirmed hundreds of Palestinians have been granted permission to enter Australia, although pointed out far more Israelis have been granted visas.

"Over the same period, between October 7 and a couple of days ago, we had 1793 visas issued to Israeli citizens," she said.

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READ MORE: Israeli cabinet approves terms of ceasefire in Gaza

Foreign Minister Penny Wong during a press conference.

Penny Wong has confirmed Australian visa have been issued to more than 800 Palestinians in the past month and half. Nine

"So there is obviously a lot of demand from those in the region for Australian visas, for people who are eligible."

She emphasised that everyone who has been granted a visa has been vetted by security agencies.

"People who obtain Australian visas are subject to appropriate security checks," Wong said.

"These people have been subjected to the same security checks by Australian Border Force and authorities as you would expect any visa applicant would be required."

Wong also confirmed 67 Australian citizens, permanent residents and family members were allowed to leave Gaza and enter Egypt via the Rafah border crossing overnight.

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"This is the second group to cross this week after we helped 31 people cross the border on Monday," the foreign minister said.

"They are supported by consular staff in Cairo.

"To date we have so far facilitated the departure of a total of 127 Australians, permanent residents and their families."

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Wong also praised the news of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that will see at least 50 hostages released by the Gazan militant group and the passage of 300 aid trucks into the war-torn enclave each day.

"This is an important and necessary step," she said.

"But what we must ultimately work towards is a long-term enduring peace.

"And again, I reiterate that a long-term enduring peace requires a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living securely in prosperously within internationally recognised borders."

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