Relief for Australians stuck in Gaza as 20 allowed to cross into Egypt

More than 335 foreign passport holders were granted permission to leave Gaza for the first time since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed among them was 20 Australians registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“I’m so relieved we have seen some Australians able to leave. (There’s been) a lot of work in the international community to open the Rafah crossing up … but there is a lot more to do,” she told ABC Melbourne.

An additional three people, one permanent resident and two family members, who were also registered with the government also crossed after a deal was brokered by Qatar between Israel, Hamas and Egypt.

Senator Wong could not say whether any of the 23 evacuees required medical attention.

Rafah is the sole border crossing between Gaza and Egypt and is the only Gazan border crossing that isn’t controlled by Israel.

Israel closed its border crossings with the territory following Hamas’ assault in which 1400 people were killed and 240 taken hostage.

More than 8,700 people have been killed in the territory since then as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza.

Sixty-five Australians remain stuck in Gaza and are being provided with consular assistance, Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts said.

“We are continuing to push for them to be able to make that passage across the Rafah crossing as soon as possible,” he said.

“We know this is an incredibly distressing time for Australians in Gaza and their families, and we are providing all possible support we can, communicating through all available channels.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.

The government has repeatedly reiterated its support for Israel’s right to defend itself but has insisted how it does so matters.

“The reality is the international community won’t accept ongoing civilian deaths,” Senator Wong said.

“So when friends like Australia urge Israel to exercise restraint and protect civilian lives, it’s really critical that Israel listens.”

The head of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network Nasser Mashni said there is “very little hope” for people in Gaza.

“We believe 60 Australians are still left in Gaza. But there are over two million Palestinians that are held in what can only be described as a slaughterhouse,” he told Sunrise.

“Those Palestinians without Western passports, they can’t get out.”

Meanwhile, more than 15,000 Australians remain in nearby Lebanon despite repeated warnings from the government for them to leave amid fears the war could spiral into a wider regional conflict.

There are currently no plans for repatriation flights from Lebanon and Assisurged people to leave via commercial options available.

“Our strong advice to Australians in Lebanon is to take the option to leave now,” Mr Watts said.

“We can‘t make any guarantees that Beirut airport will remain open if the conflict spreads to the south of Lebanon and departure options become much more complex.”