'Aussie Aussie Aussie': Australian passengers relieved as repatriation flights leave Israel
Three repatriation flights carrying hundreds of Australians left Tel Aviv airport overnight.
In an exclusive video, a group of passengers appear to be relieved, chanting Aussie "Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi" as they boarded the flight from Israel.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong told Today that more than 250 Australians were on board.
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A group of passengers chant Aussie 'Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi before stepping onto a repatriation flight. Nine
Wong said there were a number of no-shows, with people who had registered to leave but did not show up.
"That means there's about 1200 Australians and families who have departed since this conflict began," she said.
Speaking yesterday, she confirmed the federal government was also working with partners including commercial carriers to get from Dubai from Australia.
"If you wish to leave we strongly encourage you to take the first option that becomes available to you," Wong said.
People pass a police station that was destroyed after a battle between Israeli troops and Hamas militants on October in Sderot, Israel. Getty
Meanwhile, the advice for the bordering nation Lebanon has been upgraded.
While the current Smart Traveller advice is currently "reconsider the need to travel to the nation", she said Aussies there should now "consider whether need to remain there is essential."
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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong at a press conference on October 10, 2023. Nine
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The first of the flights landed in London yesterday, but the Department of Foreign Affairs' Smart Traveller account posted an update on social media hours afterwards, announcing that two subsequent flights had been postponed.
Senator Penny Wong further explained the situation, saying: "Departures from Gaza are extremely challenging due to the dangerous security situation."
A Qantas plane departing Tel Aviv. Qantas
"850 previously registered Australians and their families have now left Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories. DFAT is assisting more than 1500 registered Australians in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. Not all of those are looking to leave."
Australians in Israel or the occupied Palestinian territories should register via https://crisis.dfat.gov.au/crisisportal/s/ or by calling the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from Australia).
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