I know so many Australians are deeply concerned over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We welcome the statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office following President Biden’s request that Israel will not prevent humanitarian assistance entering Gaza from Egypt.
Senator MARIELLE SMITH (South Australia) (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Can the minister update the Senate on the situation in the Middle East following the abhorrent attacks on Israel by Hamas?
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:35): I thank Senator Smith for her question. I know so many Australians are deeply concerned over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We welcome the statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office following President Biden’s request that Israel will not prevent humanitarian assistance entering Gaza from Egypt. We welcome the United States commitment to provide $100 million in humanitarian support, and we understand large-scale international humanitarian aid is on standby at the Rafah border crossing ready for distribution once the border is open. This includes the supplies that our trusted partners, such as UNICEF, have been able to ready thanks to Australia’s initial $10 million humanitarian commitment. I would also like to acknowledge the generous contribution from the Minderoo Foundation, pledged by Andrew and Nicola Forrest, who have committed a matching donation of $10 million in humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
The government is deeply concerned by violent protests across the Middle East, including in Lebanon. I want to be very clear that the government has serious concerns for the security situation in Lebanon. To Australians in Lebanon: please, please know that we have today upgraded Australia’s travel advice for Lebanon to level 4—Do not travel. This means that, if you are an Australian in Lebanon, you should consider leaving now if it is safe to do so. I repeat: if you are an Australian in Lebanon, you should consider leaving now if it is safe to do so. Commercial departure options remain available, but this may change with little notice during a crisis. Again, I encourage people to monitor the Smartraveller website for the latest advice.
The PRESIDENT: Senator Smith, first supplementary?
Senator MARIELLE SMITH (South Australia) (14:37): Thank you, Minister, for your response. Can you update the Senate on efforts to help Australians who want to leave Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories?
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:37): Thank you, Senator Smith. Overnight, an Australian government assisted departure flight landed in Sydney with 252 passengers onboard, including 126 Australians. A Royal Australian Air Force flight landed in Dubai from Tel Aviv, carrying 59 passengers. Subject to security conditions, we are planning an assisted departure flight from Tel Aviv to Dubai today. We strongly encourage Australians who want to leave to consider this flight and do not wait for another option. As I’ve said in this place this week, we have had a lot of empty seats on flights. This will be our last flight for the foreseeable future. I repeat: today’s flight will be our last flight for the foreseeable future.
We continue to assist Australians who wish to leave the occupied Palestinian territories, including working to secure Australians’ safe passage out of Gaza. I appreciate this is extremely difficult. We understand how dangerous the situation is, and we are working very hard with partners on this.
The PRESIDENT: Senator Smith, a second supplementary?
Senator MARIELLE SMITH (South Australia) (14:38): Can the Minister explain to the Senate the government’s role internationally and at home?
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:38): In the context of the crisis unfolding, obviously one of our key priorities is to work with other countries to prevent this conflict from spilling over. Yesterday I spoke about this. That is also why we are so clear in our call that civilian lives must come first and respect for humanitarian law is paramount. That is why our priority is supporting Australians in Israel, in the West Bank and in Gaza and in securing a humanitarian corridor to Gaza for the safe departure of civilians.
Here at home, our role as a government and, I would say, our role as a Senate is to do all we can to keep our country unified and to make sure our community feels heard, and I ask all senators to be part of that effort. There are times when it is important that we put aside partisan politics and differences of views because there is a greater purpose to what we are doing.